Stoked for the Stromer, settling in on the Kettler Twin!
This last month has been a month of firsts, a month of living to the fullest and making bold decisions. At the supermarket I passed up the 89 cent “poor man” onion to purchase the ever elusive Sweet Vidalia, at the MoMa, I passed up Andy Warhol to see the Diego Riverez exhibit, and as a means of transportation I took a detour into the 21st century, test-riding a couple of top of the line electric bikes, the Kettler Twin and the Stromer Electric Bike.
Electric Bikes are awesome!
Both of these bikes were quite impressive. The Stromer Electric Bike has four different levels of assistance and at its fastest can go upwards of 30 miles per hour. The Kettler Twin’s not far behind, with three levels of assistance, and a 20 miles per hour top speed.
I had a fantastic time with both of these bikes, but it also got me thinking. Could I ever be the kind of person who rides an electric bike all the time? Did I miss my road-bike or had I been seduced by the thrall of electric speed?
An electric bike is a unique experience
Riding an electric bike is definitely a different experience than riding a traditional road-bike. One of the things I like best about road-bikes is the direct transference of effort to speed--- you get out what you put in. On an electric bike, you no longer need to put in the effort if you don't want to. If you start feeling a little tired, you can just kick up the assistance and let the bike do the work!
Commute on The Stromer or the Kettler Twin!
This makes an electric bike, like the Stromer or the Kettler Twin, a great choice for commuters. For someone who is tired of being stuck in traffic with their car, tired of paying gas prices month after month, an electric bike offers an elegant and virtually effortless solution.
E-bikes have the advantages of a road-bike with none of the effort!
While, at first, I found myself missing the physical challenges involved in riding a regular bike, eventually, I began to see all the amazing possibilities opened up by electric bikes. On a bike like the Stromer or the Kettler Twin, you could commute 14 miles to work, feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, without spending a dime on gas and without feeling the least bit tired!
If you asked me last week if I wanted to buy an electric bike I might raised an eyebrow or two, but now after speeding up a hill on the Stromer Electric Bike, pushing thirty and grinning like a maniac, I might be changing my tune.
But don't take my word for it, go try one for yourself, and see which electric bike is right for you!
Jack
E-Brompton Banter: Great E-xpectations
By Turbo Bob
Bob riding his non eBrompton in anticipation of the big day.
What a great time it is for electric bikes. The quality and ride keep getting better, as the weight and inefficiency gets trimmed. I just got the thumbs-up to be involved in an extended test on one of NYCeWheels’ E-Bromptons and I couldn’t be more excited. As Izzy builds this great converted Brompton for me, I will spend some time to think and dream about the pleasures to come.
You may have read my ’Boy Gets Brompton’ series of articles on one of the NYCeWheels’ sites. I got to spend three months with a Raw Lacquer M3L and came to understand it very well. Some of the stories were a little whimsical, but overall, I really got to dive deep into all the plusses and the few minuses of this great folding bike. Bottom line is, I love Bromptons.
As too, I love E-bikes. The electric-assist bike has been carving out its place in this world, and the word keeps getting spread. Great for so many people and reasons, adding a electric motor assist to a bike can make all the difference for utility and recreation riding. So what better combination then the ultimate folding bike, paired with an electric-assist system? It would seem to be a match made in heaven.
So let’s talk about the bike headed my way. First off, the base bike will be the new H3L. This brand-new version has a longer stem that allows the handlebars to sit two inches higher than the original layout. This will not only lend to my comfort (my 6’ 2” frame), but to the comfort of all riders who desire a more up-right seating position. This up-dated model still has the same super small folded size, and every great feature the L model offers. That includes fenders too.
An e-Brompton near NYCeWheels in NYC
You must know by now that you can get your Brompton bike in the most cool selections of colors. You can mix and match, or have yours in all one color. NYCeWheels offers their basic E-Brompton in black or white, but for a little extra, the color palette is wide open. They can also convert your existing Brompton to an E-bike so your color style doesn’t have to change. My new H3L E-Brompton is going to be the ‘in-your-face’ white. Talk about standing out in a crowd. It should be awesome.
The E-bike conversion is one that they have perfected to a ‘T’. With quality pieces from twenty different sources, Bert and Peter (Izzy too) have gone far out of their way to make sure this bike is right on the money. I’ve seen the videos and poured over the specs, and I am sure this E-bike won’t disappoint. My desire for the increased capacity 10 Ah battery was oked by the shop, so my fun rides will be extra long.
The battery will fit into the included ’C’ bag that impressed me so much on my last Brompton bicycle test. It has many pockets, is water-resistant, and comes with a water-proof cover bag just in case you want to ride in wet and wild conditions. There will be plenty of room to keep the battery charger in the bag so it will be handy when I am out-of-town. And believe me when I say, I plan on taking this bike to some far-away places. That is just one draw of a folding bike like this.
With a strong 250 watt front hub motor, I expect to have all the power I need. It will be a brushless and gearless motor. That means it will be quiet and efficient. With virtually no moving parts, it should last longer than who knows what. A thumb throttle will allow me to use the power when I like, with none wasted. That should net me some long rides with an easy way to the top of any hill or grade I encounter.
The whole conversion will add about 18 to 20 Lbs to the overall weight. It might make carrying the bike a little tougher, but almost half of that will be in the detachable carry bag, so I don’t expect it to bother me too much. And any weight penalty will be more than overcome by the power which the motor will add to my legs. If you have ridden E-bikes, you fully know what I’m talking about.
So, as I wait for the delivery driver to make his way to my house, I know that this E-Brompton will make it all worthwhile. Expect to see a flurry of articles about my new folding bike hit these pages. Take this time if you will, to read the ’Boy Gets Brompton’ stories to find out more about my take on Bromptons. Also, I hope you get a kick out of my E-titles for each post.
Thanks for reading, Turbo Bob.
Of course, you could always just order your own E-Brompton and find out for yourself... 
or an convert your current Brompton to an eBrompton.
“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.”---Ernest Hemingway, By-Line.
Random Post:
Sanyo Eneloop Electric Bike: The Future?
The Sanyo Eneloop is $300 off for the summer!
The Sanyo Eneloop electric bike blasted on to the scene in early 2010 as a new breed of electric bike. It's considered a hybrid electric bike, or one that uses an automatic pedelec motor system. This type of electric bike is generally more efficient than a throttle-powered bike, and the Sanyo Eneloop can travel for 20-30 miles on a single charge due to its Lithium battery.
Not only does the Eneloop sport a lightweight battery and a smooth electric motor wheel, but it also has a sweet looking frame. The easy step-through frame has a comfortable, upright riding position, and it comes with fenders and an aluminum rear rack.
Since the Sanyo Eneloop electric bike debuted, it has been one of the most popular electric bikes on the market. It's also practically maintenance free, with an internal 3-speed hub, a rack and fenders, and front and rear lights that are wired into the battery.
After six months, the popularity of the Sanyo Eneloop drove it's price down to $1999, which is $300 less than the original retail price. At this price, the Sanyo Eneloop is a better deal than most other electric bikes at the same price, especially with all of the accessories included. If this is still too expensive, Sanyo has developed another version of the Eneloop without a rack and lights, and includes a sportier hybrid frame. The price on this stripped-down model is only $1699, making it one of the lowest priced Lithium electric bikes out there!
As one of the leading manufacturers of long-lasting Lithium batteries in the world, Sanyo has surprisingly created one of the best electric bikes ever made. At this price, it's foolish to look at any other electric bike.
The Sanyo Eneloop electric bike is available for purchase at NYCeWheels in New York.
Random Post:
My electric bike adventure
If you're like me, you probably suffered from all kinds of depression before you owned an electric bicycle and didn't even know why. In my case, I have something called Seasonal Affective Disorder or seasonal depression as it's more commonly known. Yes, I am quite literally SAD! This coupled with how defeated I felt when my doctor advised me to take better care of myself due to my diabetes was definitely a one-two punch for me last winter (that is, until I purchased my electric motor bicycle). SAD was something I vowed would not get me down this wintertime, not as long as I had my electric motor bike. I had made plans to ride my electric bike with the same frequency I had all spring and summer long into the decidedly less electric bike friendly winter months. I would be utterly unphased by whatever Old Man Winter put in front of me and my electric motor bicycle. Below freezing temperatures are no match for electric powered bicycles!
But then winter rolled around and it looked as if global warming took care of my SAD for me. Bright days and moderate temperatures allowed me to run down and get a newspaper in just a sweatshirt. I decided that this was a cause for celebration. I came upstairs and my wife was sitting on the couch with her laptop looking up electric motor bicycles for a future purchase. She had been so impressed by my Birdy BionX folder that she decided that she wanted an electric motor bike of her own. And who could blame her for those electric powered bicycle aspirations? Since I bought my electric bicycle, I felt like a completely new man. I think she knew electric bicycles be the best thing she's done since moving out of her Mom's house in Neptune, New Jersey around when she met yours truly. But enough about Meredith and New Jersey, this story is all about me and my electric motor bicycle!
I decided that I would take advantage of the gorgeous weather with one of my patented Manhattan adventures. These almost always involve electric powered bikes. One of my favorite pastimes is to head out to my local dealer and check out the latest and greatest electric motor bikes. I go to a little place out here on the Upper East Side of New York City called NYCeWheels and they always seem to know what the coolest new gadgets are. I hopped on my electric bike and zipped off to the shop. My favorite R.E.M. song was playing ("Shiny Happy People" for those of you who might be curious!) as I waltzed in and leaned my electric powered bike on the side wall and took in the vast selection of electric bikes in stock.
I decided to take an Ezee Quando out for a test ride (another electric powered bicycle that folds, I'm obsessed!) and I had a great time zipping in and out of the park. I brought it back into the shop with a smile on my face that was both huge and genuine. What a great ride! I might have to get one for Meredith just so we can maybe take a trip down to Florida sometime and ride around on our brand new electric bicycles. I also tried out something that has been referred to as a California electric scooter, the GoPed. In my opinion, an electric bike has it beat any day!
Random Post:
Electric bike, throttle activated or pedal activated?
Electric bikes come fit into two main categories. Though different manufacturers and retailers may refer to electric bikes in different ways it seems almost universally accepted in the motorized bikes industry that the difference in the two types of electric bicycles is based on how the power of the electric bicycle is initiated.
Electric bikes fall into two categories and most retailers and manufacturers label these as power-on-demand motorized bikes and power-assist motorized bikes. Knowing the difference between these two types of electric bikes is important.
Power-on-demand electric bikes are throttle activated or gear activated, it is not uncommon to see manufacturers use one or both of these terms when they are referring to power-on-demand electric bikes.
These types of motorized bikes can and will do 100% of the work for you when they are activated. The most powerful types of power-on-demand electric bikes can easily propel you up even a steep hill when activated – much to the delight of men and women in San Francisco no doubt!
The power-on-demand electric bike is great for someone who needs to travel a longer distance than they are comfortable doing on their own. Whenever they get tired they can click on the power of their motorized bike and let the electric bicycle do the work for them.
People who own the power-on-demand electric bikes comment frequently on how surprised they were by how efficient and powerful these motorized bikes are and how they can commute to work, or to school for pennies compared to what they pay for mass-transit or driving to and from work or the train station.
Power-on-demand electric bikes are also great for people who want to be able to keep up with their children or grandchildren but may not be physically fit enough to do it on their own, they can simply activate the motor of the electric bike when they start to tire.
The other primary type of electric bicycles are the power-assist bikes, also referred to as pedal activated bikes. These ingenious motorized bicycles can actually alleviate about 50% of the workload of riding your bicycle – you can go twice the distance for the same effort!
The power-assist electric bikes are quite popular for people who travel around large and small cities, or around any town for that matter and want some extra assistance so they can travel quicker with less energy.
Power-assist electric bikes make great alternatives to a second car, or over-crowded buses and subways. Imagine not having to take mass-transportation anymore because you can get where you need to go faster and cheaper with a motorized bike.
These types of electric bikes are also great for people that are trying to improve their physical fitness but need some reassurance as they begin a cycling program. The power-assist feature lets them lighten the workload and build up more stamina and strength.
Most companies refer to electric bikes in these two main categories: power-on-demand or throttle activated and power-assist or pedal activated.Need help selecting the right electric bike for you? One of the first questions people always ask is "What is the best electric bike?" When selecting an electric bike you'll also want to consider where you live, as your local environment will influence your set of needs and what works best for you. For example, if you live in California you'd want an electric bike that would be through and through a 'California electric bike.'
"What if I'm looking for something very light weight, something that I can carry with one hand. I want to take it on the train. I'd only need it to travel very short distances. I guess it doesn't even have to be electric." Then you're not looking for an electric bike, you're looking for a kick scooter! If you're not convinced that kick scooters can offer serious changes in your life, we beg you to read the following story: "What if I owned a kick scooter?"
"Out of the electric bikes, what is the lightest folding bike?" You can compare and contrast the eZee Quando, the Birdy Bionx, and the Xootr Bionx here: Electric folding bikes.
Random Post:
How to Fit Electric Bikes into Your Lifestyle
Do you have a lifestyle of always being on the go or do you have a passion for the outdoors? If you answered yes to either of these questions, owning an electric bike would bring you a feeling of contentment.
Advantages of Owning an Electric Bicycle
Electric powered bikes are a sure way to maneuver around a crowded area. Sitting in traffic jams can be eliminated by riding an electric bicycle because you will have access to routes that cars and motorcycles can not reach. You would also have extra spending money from the savings you will acquire on gasoline, car maintenance, and insurance.
Owning an electric bike enables you to run errands in a shorter period of time and less cost. An electric bike is ideal for the person who has no license. One great factor of the electric bike is that it reduces air pollution. The bikes are one of the most cost effective and convenient ways of transportation today.
Electric Motor Bike for Exercising
You are probably saying, How can I get exercise by riding an electric bicycle?
An electric powered bicycle enables the rider to pedal, but with little effort. The rider can climb hills more easily and travel a longer distance. Riding in the fresh air will make you feel invigorating and will strengthen your muscles without making them ache.
Electric Bicycles for Work
Using your electric bike for commuting back and forth to work will help to clear your mind and make you feel good all day. If you are riding your electric bike to work, you will not have to worry about the issue of sweating like you did on a regular bike. You will be going faster on the electric bike and this keeps the wind chill effect greater, thus keeping you cool. When the weather is hot, you can maintain a normal speed by letting the electric motor take over. In cold weather, you can turn the motor off.
Once you have arrived at work, you will have a few minutes to relax because of the time saved by not having to ride the bus or go through the hassle of searching for a parking space.
Electric Bikes are Great for Any Lifestyle
Remember, riding an electric bike gives you the freedom to wave at your neighbors, find a convenient parking place, and enjoy the special moments in life such as rain drops hitting your face or the wind blowing your hair. Choose an electric bike to suit your lifestyle and enjoy
To learn more about the electric bike please visit the web site at: http://www.nycewheels.com/
Random Post:
buying an eBike – doing the research first
I (Joe) recently became interested in ebikes, have done some extensive research, and finally bought a commercial model on which I’ve put a few hundred miles in the last two weeks. I’ll provide a review of that bike shortly, but first wanted to collect some more general thoughts on ebikes which I’ve consolidated from my research, personal experience, and a good dose of engineering basics. I’m certain almost everything I discuss here has been stated better and more thoughtfully elsewhere, so please forgive my repetition and perhaps naive thoughts. I will say, I think I would have found this type of write-up helpful to me early-on, and hope this discussion may help other potential new ebike riders as well.
So, if you’re like me, the idea of an ebike is appealing. Gas prices are up, “green” transportation is in, and bike commuting has a number of distinct advantages over other forms. Personally, I’ve been a bike commuter for about 3 years now. My regular job is outside Santa Fe, NM, and I have a decent enough means to bike commute about 10 months out of the year, with snow and weather leaving a few weeks for the car. Of course, bike commuting entails other compromises, such as the difficulty in accommodating “business” clothes, “helmet” hair, inclement weather, and of course, safety. As experienced bike commuters known, there’s pretty good solutions to most of these issues, with equipment, planning, and setting realistic expectations all playing a role.
eBike, bicycle with electric assist motor
The appeal of an ebike to me is the ability to commute a bit farther, to eliminate the more difficult portions of my commute and arrive “sweat free”, to perhaps save a bit of time, and to allow farther in-day trips from my main work site to various other locales at my employer (which is spread over 43 square miles, I often need to travel to more remote sites where I work). As important, is what an ebike for me wasn’t. It’s not a replacement for a motorcycle. I didn’t want to travel long distances just punching a throttle. I wanted this to be mostly bike with the added benefit of power assist. Taking my bike on public transport, into my office via an elevator, parking with other bikes, etc. are all important.
So, how does this lengthy preamble relate to choosing an ebike? If you read the ebike forums, there’s a near-obsession with specific characteristics of these bikes such as top speed, weight, and perhaps most prominent, range and battery capacity. Naturally, everyone has a list of requirements and desires that they want their bike to meet. At the top of many lists are reliability, range, light weight, top speed, and of course, low cost and maintenance. This wish list quickly runs head-on into the reality of engineering and design. You quickly discover there’s no one perfect bike that does it all. Some of the better ebike retailers start with a very good list of questions to help determine a customers desires. Given this, they can direct you toward a particular system, design, or model.
I stated many of my desires above. Considering my criteria, it was clear that a pedal-assist application is the way to go. The engineering analysis of pedal assist is itself a fascinating topic. In order to appreciate the benefits of pedal-assist, and of ebikes more generally, I found it enormously helpful to discuss and understand some specific characteristics of the most important motor on the ebike. No, not the electric hub, but YOU. Your power output and contribution to propulsion, and understanding the highly non-linear nature of that power output, is actually the key to understanding why pedal-assist is such an attractive option. So, if you’ll forgive my diversion here, I’d like to discuss a few elements of human power output.
You and I consume energy just by living. A resting person weighing 150 pounds has a metabolic rate of about 70 Watts (W). Light activity such as walking and just doing your day to day thing without exertion bumps this up to about 100-125 W. That’s just how our bodies have evolved in our environment. As you start to exert yourself, you spend more energy. This relationship is highly nonlinear. A moderate workout, in which you get your heart rate up and sweat quite a bit, has a total power output of about 200 to 250 W. Tour de France riders with years of special training, nutrition, and conditioning can sustain power outputs of 400 to 500 W for hours on end. You and I, not so much. Over about 300 W, and we’ll tire pretty quickly. So, 100 W is literally “no sweat”, while that next 100 W isn’t nearly as easy. It’s this nonlinear relation between exertion and power output that makes a pedal-assist ebike so attractive.
The goal is to transmit efficient power into the bike. As a rider, you can contribute a nice, healthy 50-100 W (on top of your metabolic 70-90 W) for a very long time, and you won’t notice this as much exertion. These should be the “first Watts” that the bike sees. It just so happens, that pedaling a bike on level ground in no wind requires roughly 100 W to sustain a speed of roughly 25 km/hr. This is the level that most folks would see as “easy” without much exertion. Of course, add a headwind, or hills, or a higher speed, and things quickly turn against you. Further, starts and stops require quite a bit of extra energy, too. Nearly every rider knows this intuitively without the engineering degree, and this helps to explain why bikers don’t particularly like to stop if they can help it, safety be damned.
Now, let’s consider a throttle-only, no pedal ebike versus a pedal assist. If your goal is to get long range with much less exertion on your part, the numbers quickly tell the story of why pedal-assist is so attractive. Remember that 100W figure for sustained 25 km/hr on level ground? At the theoretical limit, a throttle-only vehicle would last about 3 hours with a typical 36V, 10 Amp-hr battery pack (360 W-Hr), whereas a pedal-assist wouldn’t be contributing at all, and would have infinite range, since the rider is providing that first 100 W. Now, this is all theoretical. In practice, hills, starts/stops, the efficiency of your bike and motor, etc. quickly degrade these numbers. More typically, that throttle-only bike with a 360 W-hr battery may have a range of 30-40 km in total. Conversely, a good pedal-assist system in practical use on level ground driven in a way so that you don’t exert can have a range on order 80-90 km or even more.
And it’s the deviations from this ideal ride where pedal assist becomes so appealing. Take hills, for example. The added power to crest that hill can be contributed by the battery, so you don’t have to exert. You’re not constantly climbing during your ride (well, for most rides that is), and the addition of power assist as the last Watts added is what provides that marvelous ability to extend range, open up a whole-new way of biking, and achieve the near-nirvana of long-range, reliability, ease, and (relatively) low cost for an ebike. (And BTW, some studies have shown that the more constant exertion of steady, light exercise may be as beneficial as other forms. Pedal assist hybrid on ebike indeed may be a have-your-cake and eat-it-too proposition when it comes to fitness.)
Ok, so the previous is basically an engineering discussion of ebike propulsion. How does it work in practice and how can you use this understanding to maximize your ebike experience? A couple of things are important right up front, namely, speed and acceleration. Most folks want more speed, its only natural. Unfortunately, things quickly turn against you as you go faster from an energy management standpoint. Top of the list is drag. Drag increases as the square of your speed. Given that most of your energy (on flat ground) goes to moving the air out of the way, this gets ugly quick. If you’re willing to go a little slower, you have the enormous payoff of greatly extending your range. From a practical standpoint, 30 km/hr or so (19 mph) feels about right to me as a nice compromise between speed and efficiency. Others will balance this differently. It just so happens that 32 km/hr is codified in US law as well. At first, I wanted that super-fast ebike that did it all. After spending some time on my current bike, I’ve come to the conclusion that a moderate speed really is best, not only for efficiency, but for safety as well.
Ditto acceleration. My ebike (Trek Valencia+ with the Bionx system) has a 27-speed drive-train which I thought was ridiculous at first, since I could easily keep this in the lowest gear, and just let the motor pull me away from stops. It turns out, this is really bad energy management practice. Hard acceleration is inefficient and sucks tons of precious amps from your battery (just look at the meter on a Bionx system). I’ve come to realize that those extra low gears on the Valencia are actually very useful. Now, I down-shift at stops most of the time, and take just a bit longer to get up to speed, with the Bionx system providing more of a gentle nudge than full-on zippiness. Of course, that zippiness is there is you want it, or when time or safety require. The payoff in backing away from jack-rabbit starts is greatly extended range.
I rode the Critical Mass ride this Friday in San Francisco on the ebike, including some substantial distance to/from the event (yes, I mentioned my job was in New Mexico; I’m spending the year in the Bay Area on another assignment). I got about 50 miles out of the Trek/Bionx system, and had a grand time. Trek worked with Bionx and changed a number of factors in the Bionx system, some of which I think are not well-understood by the ebike crowd, including a change in battery voltage and capacity.
So, I’ve written a tome as a first post. Please forgive this. My goal was to pass along some of the things I learned in my research leading up to my first ebike kit purchase. More experienced folks here will no-doubt correct errors or offer additional points, which I look forward to.
Joe M.
Stromer E-bike / Go Anywhere with Power
As E-bikes get nicer and nicer, people start to notice. Climb aboard this electric-assist bike and there are many things that will get your attention. Lots of power and stopping ability are high on the list. Easy to use controls fit right in. Add some good looks and the all-terrain capabilities, and you’ve got the Stromer E-bike.
Bob's silver Stromer Sport
Even though these are on the menu at NYCeWheels, I rode one here on the west coast. All the hype that has been going around made my expectations high. After the first block, I could see that no one was just blowing hot air about this bike. Very nicely done, this E-bike delivers the goods. I enjoyed my ride and wanted more.
Looking more like a mountain bike that a street cruiser, the Stromer eBike is at home in both venues. Outfitted with some dual-purpose tires, I am sure you could go with either extreme and be happy. The plush front suspension has a lock-out feature, and the saddle is speced to please. With some nice drive train parts, it shifted and rode well.
The control system is done nicely. Using a high-tech load sensor on the drop-out (similar to the Gepida), it has a very responsive pedelec feel. With three levels of sensitivity at your fingertips, you can tailor the power assist to match your riding style. And unlike the European E-bikes, a throttle is here to allow you to power-up when you’re not pedaling.
It uses a half throttle, which is my preference. The power is smooth, silent, and quite noticeable. The computer that controls it all works fast, adding to the great feel the Stromer has. It gives you the juice to climb steep hills with minimum effort on your part. I should know, as I climbed the steepest one in town with a smile. Coming back down was a breeze too. The disc brakes work well.
It comes in four men’s frame sizes and two for the low-framed bike. Three different colors can be had. The frame is quite beefy, and has a spot where the battery fits in to make for a sleek and sassy look. If the brushless hub motor wasn’t visible, many people would never suspect it’s an E-bike. During the ride, I got the feeling that I could tackle any obstacle and keep going.
Speaking of going, the range of this bike should be very far. The large 37 volt lithium battery, combined with an efficient control system, can work together for some long rides. I didn’t get the chance to test the range, but my experience with similar set-ups tells me it should be doable.
The specs say up to 45 miles. At the low pedelec setting and on near level ground, I think it would make it. Under normal conditions, expect 20-25, which is still a long way.
Yes, it’s true that the Stromers’ price is on the high side. Quality doesn’t come cheap. I would suspect that it will be the second E-bike for many of the people you see riding one. You know, a person who has enjoyed and loved their first one, but is ready for the next level. But if you want an aggressive and powerful bike, jump right in. I can’t see anyone being disappointed on this electric-motored bike.
If you are close to NYCeWheels, by all means stop by for a ride. You can feel the smooth, quality features for yourself. Even if you can’t try it first, you might already know that this is the E-bike for you. A Stromer bike could make a definite change in your transportation world. I am sure you have read and seen many things that are drawing towards a bike like this. Park the car, skip the bus, and feel the open air. E-bikes just put a smile on your face while you save money, and trim your body. They will also change your attitude, for the better.
Check out the Stromer electric by at NYCeWheels
E-bikes are the best, Turbo Bob
“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles.”
Tom Kunich.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila-Part 3 | The Reptila gets Slimed
With more than a few miles on the odometer of this Gepida Reptila 1100, I can start shedding some skin on the details of this European pedelec. With some hissing, puffing, and poison spitting, I will lay out the story of my first week of riding this electric-motored bike. I will dictate this while I take the time to do some push-ups on a hot rock.
Bob and his Gepida at the Park
First off, I have to say that the efficiency of the Reptila is something else. It uses a fairly small battery, and puts out a lot of distance between charges. The up-to-date power system is very intuitive to your needs when riding. The torque sensor has a fine feel for your output to the pedals, and responds quickly with the motor assist. On the display unit, you can easily vary the amount of overall assist to increase your riding range, or add more power for the hills. The motor is so quiet, you can only tell when its running, by the pull it gives.
The styling is very modern. Unlike some gaudy electric bikes on the market, this Gepida has the clean line of an everyday bike. The battery rack looks like a super-styled piece from the future, not a over-sized and unusable rack with a battery mounted to it. The frame, paint, and other pieces are well finished and pleasing to the eye. Only on closer inspection, have many people realized it is a pedelec.
One of the neat features of the Reptila is the quick adjust and almost infinitely settable handlebar and stem system. Once you have found the sweet spot for this, you are set, but if many people ride it, it is easy to adjust for their fit. And with a bike like this, you will want your friends to give it a try to see what the future of bikes is all about. The same goes with the seat adjustment. The suspension seat post height is changed with no hassle. Of course, most e-bikes have this feature nowadays. I did change the seat angle some with the included hex wrench. The cushy saddle is not the type you would use for major long-distance rides, but I think most people who would order this bike, would find it just right.
Off we go. After some minor shake-down rides in my neighborhood, I was ready for the open road. My first ride was almost 25 miles. I expect the battery to hold more power as the charge cycles continue. I did use full power to attack a major hill that I try to avoid on my own electric-assist bike. After about three quarters of the way up, I was getting a little winded, so I pushed the bike to the top. That is way, way farther that I have ever made it on that hill before. On most of the ride, I left the power-assist adjustment at about half. That is a good way to maximize the range of the battery on level and near level ground.
The riding was smooth and easy. The motor's assist comes on with no abruptness. It acts as if your legs are much stronger than normal. The display unit keeps track of your speed in very large digits. It also records your trip distance, average speed and ride time. It remembers the total distance traveled (odometer) and has a two part display to let you know how much farther the battery will take you. The display has a few other features too. The Gepidas' computer is large, easy to read, and well thought out.
I felt pretty safe on the road with the Gepida Repila 1100 lighting package. This is standard equipment. The bright headlamp and tail light are run from the battery's power. It is controlled by an additional switch on the display. It even has an automatic mode that will switch in on when it gets dark, if you are in a tunnel or ?. I will report on the headlamp's power output after I get a chance to ride it at night. I am a stickler for using flashing lights on both ends, even in the daytime, but so far I have been happy with the performance of the factory lights. Gepida even included a cool bell with a nice tone and a continuously rotating button that is hard to explain. You might have to try it for yourself to see what I mean.
Oh yeah, the slimed part. I came out from a lunch stop to find the back tire flat. It was the perfect chance to off the Woods-dunlop valve stemmed tubes, and get some thorn-resistant ones. I squirted in some green goop (Slime) to reduce the chance of another flat. The Schwalbe Tyrago tires have puncture protection, but somehow the smallest piece of a stranded wire made it through to the tube. With the added thickness of the new tubes, the slime, and the American spec schrader valves, I think I will be much happier.
With a lot more riding, testing, and reporting to go, I am glad you are following this story on the Gepida Reptila 1100.
Thanks for reading, Turbo Bob.
"When I go biking, I repeat a mantra of the day's sensations: bright sun, blue sky, warm breeze, blue jay's call, ice melting and so on. This helps me transcend the traffic, ignore the clamorings of work, leave all the mind theaters behind and focus on nature instead. I still must abide by the rules of the road, of biking, of gravity. But I am mentally far far away from civilization. The world is breaking someone else's heart."---Diane Ackerman.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila (1100), Part 2-Bob Digs His Claws into a Gepida Reptila 1100
The rumble of a large truck was my first clue that my new Gepida Reptila pedelec had arrived. I was coiled and ready to strike, but by the time I had slithered out front, the driver had already opened the back door and I could spy the package he was delivering. Although large, it was not difficult for me to help him maneuver it into my garage. With a quick signature, he was gone as quickly as he appeared, and it was time to see what was inside waiting for me.
The box label confirmed it was the Gepida Reptila 1100 I was expecting.
Bob Un-packing Gepida Reptila
After opening the top flaps of the box, I lifted out the box of pieces I was to install myself. A pair of pedals, that was it. Also in the box was a pedal wrench, a set of allen wrenches, a pair of battery keys, and the battery charger. The electric bike was as close to 100% assembled as you could get. I laid the box on it's side and slid out my new bike. Setting it upright unto the kickstand, I got my first chance to see this Reptila. Very nice.
It actually took longer to remove all the packing material from the bike, then to do the final assembly. And the bike was well packed. Lots of padding was tie-strapped to all parts of the bike. It made the journey with no damage or problems. I clipped off the tie-straps in such a way that would allow me to re-use them on other projects, I'm all about recycling.
The pedals go on easily. They are marked R and L. The left side pedal has threads that turn the opposite way of normal. The pedal wrench made quick work of securing them. I do like to use a little anti-seize on the threads, but any kind of grease is better than nothing.
The supplied allen-wrench is for tightening the handlebar stem. Straighten the stem to align it with the front wheel, insert the long end of the allen wrench through the stem (there is a hole for it), and use a box end wrench or crescent wrench on the end of the allen to get enough leverage to tighten it securely. It does have to be fairly tight. That's it, the bike is assembled. We'll talk about the seat and handlebar adjustment after we start the battery charging procedure.
Your new Gepida electric bike will come with one battery and one empty battery housing. Using one of the keys, figure out which is which. As you look at the battery, you will notice one end has a button and a group of lights. This will allow you to determine the state of charge. Push the button, and the number of lights that light, will give you an idea of how fully charged it is. These lights will also show you when it is charging and when it is done. Before plugging the charger into the wall socket, plug the other cord into the battery. Make sure the battery is on a solid surface, and you can see the lights on the end. It is a good idea to wait 10-20 seconds after plugging in the battery before you plug the charger in to the wall socket. This will let the two units know they are one, and reduce chances of problems.
Once the charger is plugged into the wall socket, you will see the lights come on in sequence. When the light go out, it is fully charged. The book says the battery will fully charge in 4 1/2 hours, but your first charge might take a little longer. Also, it might take up to five charge cycles (charge and then discharge while riding), before the battery reaches full strength. Gepida gives you the option of purchasing a second battery to double the electric-assisted range. You probably won't need it, but if you do, they say up to 70 miles with a pair of batteries is possible.
If you have seen the Gepida video on the NYCeWheels site, then you will know how easy and cool the handlebar adjustment is. Find a spot you like, and change it around until it feels just right. Same for the seat height. I like the front of the saddle a little higher than the rear. Use one of the allen wrenches to change that if you like. Pinch the tires to make sure they are full. Go for a short test ride. Fiddle with the few adjustments until they are comfortable.
Two more quick things before I finish today. Setting and operating the computer / dash display is pretty simple. Check the manual on NYCeWheels website for details. Also, watch that video for a few tips. Make sure to set the speedometer for MPH, if that is your preference. It comes in KMH, which is not mine. Also, set the clock and learn to get through the other menus. The other thing is the valve stems on the tires. Mine came with European spec stems. Bert at NYCeWheels tells me that standard American spec Schrader valves will be on all future bikes he ships. These European ones are a little like a Presta valve, but work a little differently. The supplied air pump fits them fine. It wouldn't be hard to install some standard tubes, and I just might. If I do, they will be the thorn-resistant ones, filled with green goop.
So you can see, getting your new Gepida Reptila 1100 shipped to you and making it ready for daily use, is a breeze. I have over a hundred miles on my new bike already. I am loving the feel, power, and comfort of my Gepida Reptila. Plenty more on this fantastic European E-bike is coming your way soon.
Turbo Bob, San Diego CA
"Just as the idea of classic Greek culture was the most perfect harmony of mind and body, so a human and a bicycle are the perfect synthesis of body and machine."
Richard Ballantine, Richards' Ultimate Bicycle Book.
Turbo Snakes a Reptila (1100), Part 1-Bob Stalks His Prey
Another great extended test begins today. After getting my order confirmation from NYCeWheels last week, the shipping company has called to schedule the delivery of my new Gepida Reptila 1100 this afternoon. To say I am excited doesn't do justice to the word. Watching the Gepida video of Peter demonstrating this bike has fueled my fire to grasp it. If you haven't seen this clip on NYCeWheels website or Facebook page, I suggest you have a look. I am already impressed with this new electric-motored bike, and I haven't even ridden it yet.
Bob waiting for the Gepida Reptila 1100
If you've read my articles on the Brompton folding bike, then you might have a feel for the reason I titled this story the way I did. The name of this bike is just so cool. I will make every attempt to add reptile references to the titles and story lines. I am even thinking about getting a snakeskin to attach to the top tube of my new bike. I'm still debating on if a pair of large fangs on the handlebars would be too much.
So here is the bite to this series of articles. Bert is a 'nice' guy. Bert is the top Gecko at NYCeWheels. Bert knows I have been riding my E-bike for over three years. Bert thinks I can evaluate this bike and convey its quality and worth. Bert sends me the bike fully assembled and ready to ride. Bert lets me give it the full shakedown and then tell you how cool it is. Bert expects you to believe me and then you rush over to get your own Gepida Reptila 1100. Sounds simple enough to me.
Lets do this!
Since before, and after, my wife and I purchased the electric-assist bikes we have now, we have test ridden many different ones. I have reported on many of them on my own blog site. I have a long relationship with bikes and electro-mechanical things. I have devoted my life to the repair and modification of transportation machines. I think Bert is correct in thinking that my opinion on such matters can be trusted. As he, and you found in my Brompton blogs, I will tell you the straight story without the salesperson slant. I'm a mechanic, not a salesman.
Enough of that, on to the bikes. The electric motored bike I ride is the least expensive one on the market. Fairly low quality and very heavy, I have still been happy with it. I have found that most people wouldn't. They wouldn't put up with the mechanical problems I had to overcome to make it dependable. Most people want an E-bike that is built well and exhibits no problems. That is kind of a by-product of cost. I tell people you don't want the cheapest, and you don't need the priciest. Somewhere in between those extremes is the machine for you. The Gepida Reptila 1100 fits into that category. With it's European quality and it's mid-range cost, it should be a perfect fit for most people who are looking for an electric motored bicycle. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Chances are if you are reading this, you have a fairly good idea what an electric bike is and why you want one. They go by many names. I have found I like the term 'E-bike'. Also used are--Electric bike--Electric bicycle--Electric assist bike--Bike with an electric motor--Pedelec--And others. Some of these have to do with your ability to power up the motor without pedaling. There are many brands and types of E-bikes. The best and most popular use a brush-less motor in the hub of the front or rear wheel. A lithium type battery is the strongest and lightest one available. There are different type of lithium batteries, the Reptila uses a lithium-ion. But all in all, it is a bicycle, with a seat, pedals, and wheels.
So check out that video, search the NYCeWheels site for info, and follow along here as I power down on my new Gepida Reptila 1100.
In the meantime you can read Harrison's first review of the Gepida Reptila
Turbo Bob
"I took to calling my bike my friend. I carried on silent conversations with it. And of course I paid it the best attention. Which meant that every time I returned home I stood the bike upside down, searched for a clean rag and polished the hubs and the spokes. Then I cleaned the chain and greased it afresh. That operation left ugly stains on the stone in the walkway. My mother would complain, beg me to put a newspaper under the wheel before starting to clean it. Sometimes she would get so incensed that she would say to me, in full sarcasm, 'I'm surprised you don't take that thing to bed with you!' And I would retort---'I would if I had a decent room and a big enough bed.' "
Henry Miller, My Bike and Other Friends.
Cruising on the Gepida Reptila 1100 electric bike
Who knew that fouling up the print drivers at work would earn me a glorious mid-afternoon bike ride through Central Park?
Harrison astride the Gepida Reptila after his exhilarating ride
That is exactly what happened on the lovely faux-spring day we enjoyed here in New York last Friday. While the IT guy dialed in to fix my mess (sorry Bert!), I took the opportunity to take the new Gepida Reptila 1100 for a spin.
These new Gepida electric bikes came to us straight from the Budapest factory back in December. I’ve been itching to take one out ever since, and only restrained myself due to the nasty weather we’ve had. Did I really want to take this beautiful Hungarian-built machine over the dirty, pitted, salt-encrusted New York City streets?
But as I found out the notorious NYC streets would have been no match for this tough four-season commuter. The Gepida Reptila after all comes from that distant polyglot land, Europe, where the electric bicycle is taken seriously as a legitimate form of year-round transportation and where, I understand, they also have their share of snow and cobblestones.
As a result the Gepida Reptila is built to be a tough, sturdy, every day electric bike. Unlike many other electric bikes in this category, the Gepida Reptila is also light, maneuverable, and rides just like a regular bike. Don’t let the elegant classic-cruiser frame fool you: this is hydro-formed alloy – light, stiff, and strong.
Gepida Reptila, the perfect electric bike?
Probably the best thing about the Gepida Reptila is the range afforded by the combination of efficient 250w motor and the twin 6ah batteries mounted discretely on the rear rack. Gepida balanced larger batteries against the resulting heavier load and settled on a happy medium. With the second battery in place the Gepida Reptila can travel as far as 70 miles (depending on rider weight, wind, and terrain) on a single charge.
While I didn’t get a full feel on my initial ride for all the capabilities of Gepida’s proprietary console, which blinked up at me with all sorts of readings, the most important read out I noticed was the battery charge indicator: it remained at full charge throughout my 30 minute ride. Not a tick lost.
The one cycling activity I love more than test-riding beautiful new electric bikes on a lovely day is long distance bicycle touring. How would the Gepida Reptila hold up on a long-distance tour? Given the battery life, the comfortable ride afforded by the front suspension, the rear rack, the wide 8 speed internally geared hub, and the ample torque for tackling long inclines, the Gepida Reptila I think would make for a supurb bike for a supported tour. TransAmerica Trail anyone? It could probably be done on a Gepida Reptila electric bike.
Tough Electric Mountain Bikes
Two OHM Electric Mountain Bikes hit the trails
A big misconception about electric bikes is that they're all laid-back cruiser bikes, built to ride on boardwalks and nicely paved bike trails. A die-hard mountain bike enthusiast probably wouldn't consider an electric bike for a bumpy, dirt trail with lots of hills. However, there are electric mountain bikes that have fully-loaded frames and can take quite a beating on a rough trail. For an aging mountain bike rider that can't quite tackle those hills anymore, this is the perfect solution. Electric assistance can be applied when needed: on the last leg of the trail, near the top of a large hill, or throughout the ride, making it less strenuous and more enjoyable.
OHM Sport Electric Mountain Bike
One of the best electric mountain bikes on the market is made by OHM Cycles. The OHM Sport electric mountain bike is the best model in their line of electric bikes, and comes equipped with all of the bells and whistles for heavy-duty mountain bike rides. There are hydraulic disc brakes, full suspension, 27 speeds on a Shimano Deore shifter, knobby Kevlar tires, and a lightweight 48 lb frame. This is extremely light for an electric bike!
The OHM Sport uses a high-torque 350 watt motor to power up hills. It has four levels of motor assistance, as well as regenerative braking for hills. The electric system is one of the best out there, and with regenerative braking, the Lithium battery can last up to 30 or 40 miles on a single charge. As an electric mountain bike, the OHM Sport has some of the best mechanical and electrical components.
Electric Mountain Bike Conversion
This Felt 68 Electric Mountain Bike is built with BionX
Many people can't bear to part with their mountain bike, especially if it's already souped up and tough. Luckily, you can convert a standard bicycle to an electric bicycle using an electric conversion kit. One of the best electric bicycle kits on the market is made by BionX. With different motor speeds, wheel sizes, and battery mounts, the BionX electric conversion kit is the most versatile motor kits for bicycles. It's also tough enough to ride mountain trails without any problems.
Similar to the OHM Sport, the BionX system has different levels of pedal-assistance as well as regenerative braking. It's one of the best electric bike kits on the market, and is adaptable to almost any bicycle. An electric mountain bike built with BionX is sure to be reliable for years of rough riding.
Camping With a Bicycle Trailer
The appeal of a bicycle camping trip seems too good to be true. Going off to live off of the land with only the bare essentials, it seems silly to load up that SUV and tread all over nature's trails. Luckily, with some of the new bicycle trailers out there, it's easy to bring all the gear you need and just pedal a bicycle. It's 100% eco-friendly, and it's more fun than driving a car!
Burley Bicycle Trailers
Some of the best quality bicycle trailers available are made by Burley. Lightweight, durable, and easily detachable, the Burley bike trailers attach to almost any bicycle.
For a short camping trip with only one or two people, the Burley Travoy folding bicycle trailer is the best option. Carrying up to 60 lbs., the Travoy functions just like a hand-truck, and can actually be detached and used as one! Two air-filled wheels provide a smooth, maneuverable ride. The Transit Bags are a perfect fit for camping gear, with compartments to fit a tent, cooking supplies, and tools. The best part? When you're not using it, the Travoy folds up to the size of a small suitcase. Cool, right?
Electrify The Camping Experience With an Electric Bike
Pulling a cargo trailer is a lot of work on a bike. You can take away most of the effort by riding an electric bike instead! With new Lithium batteries, these electric bikes travel up to 20 miles on a single charge, and have more than enough power to pull a bicycle trailer. If the camp has an outlet, you can even charge the bike after you set up camp, or ride it around some of the trails.
This electric recumbent tows a bike trailer full of camping gear
Converting a bike to an electric bike is always a great option, and the BionX electric bike kit is the best way to keep your favorite bike, but add a bit of electric power. Attach a bicycle trailer to a BionX bike and there is little to no effort with the highly intelligent BionX motor.
Instead of loading up a truck or SUV with camping gear, why not load up a bicycle trailer? It adds the element to your trip of actually getting there, an adventure that can hardly be experienced inside the shiny interior of an automobile.
Dahon Creates a Folding Electric Bike
The Dahon Boost is a compact electric folding bike
Dahon is one of the biggest and best folding bike manufacturers in the world. They've been consistently winning folding bike competitions for quality, popularity, and convenience for years. The lightweight bikes are easy to fold, and great for city commuters, since they fold down to a small profile and can be easily stored in a small apartment.
Over the last year, Dahon has been developing their first electric folding bike. One of their lightweight folders with an added boost of electric-assist power could be really convenient and fun for the daily commuter. Finally, after a year of planning, the Dahon Boost electric bike is available to buy.
The Dahon Boost is a Top Quality Electric Bike
Skeptical of an electric bike manufactured by a folding bike company, I was surprised at the ride of the Dahon Boost when I first stepped down on the pedals. It was ultra-responsive, and gave me a proportional motor assistance based on my own pedal power. I just set the power on a controller on the handlebars, and pedaled the bike. The motor was seamless, and I didn't feel a jolt or any skipping when I started and stopped pedaling. It felt just like a regular Dahon folding bike, with someone gently pushing me along.
The Dahon Boost uses a Lithium Battery
Every bike with electric motor power manufactured today is built with a good quality Lithium battery. This allows the bike to travel for roughly twenty miles on a single battery charge. The Dahon Boost, with its integrated pedal-assist, can travel up to 25 or 30 miles, depending on the mode. Its battery is also about half the weight of other electric bike batteries, weighing about 4 lbs! Needless to say, this is one lightweight electric folding bike, with a total weight of about 43 lbs. altogether.
The Dahon Boost has the same folded profile as other Dahon folding bikes, so space is not an issue. It's one of the only electric folding bikes on the market that is portable, lightweight, and also has great range. For city commuters, there is really no better choice for a great electric folding bike.
