Dahon Jetstream with BionX makes for the perfect adventuring bike
The Dahon Jetstream P8 is a highly popular bike in our shop, probably because it can do things very few other 20" folding bikes can. An adjustable dual suspension system, Kevlar-lined tires, and a rack-ready frame means that this is a bike that can take on any kind of terrain. It's a bike made for adventure.
One of our Jetstream customers went the extra mile, mounting a cargo rack and a BionX electric conversion system to his ride, and proceeded to put it through its paces in some really wild places. He was so happy with the results that he sent us some beautiful pictures, along with the following review. If you are as impressed as Joseph was, visit the NYCeWheels website to learn more about the Dahon Jetstream folding bike, and about our BionX conversion kits.
Enjoy!
-Miles
Jetstream BionX conversion: "Perfect in every way"
Just wanted to let you all know how pleased I am with my Jetstream Bionx coversion with
the rear rack. It's perfect in every way. I took it out for a 23 mile spin around the circumference of Rancho Palos Verdes Peninsula yesterday... there are a lot of hill climbs and descents on this route (not to mention stunning vistas over the pacific, it's a very popular cyclist destination). This was a former evening routine route for me and doing it on my new bike was a whole new experience, zipping up all the climbs was other worldly fun... I was surprised as well at the efficiency of the re-gen, I didn't expect it to do much but I used in on every extended descent and after a 23mile ride my battery was only half used and I'd had it in the 300% mode on everything except the steep descents.
The full suspension is just great and the bike handles more comfortably than I was expecting. The incentives of this package are unheralded... full suspension, electric assist, cargo capable and folds into the size of a suitcase. I can't think of why anyone would want anything else! I love it.
I would rank my experience at 99% satisfied.
The 1% issue is the seat... because of the way the saddle mount is designed I can't trade out alternate saddles. I need something with more area and cushioning than the saddle that comes with the bike but don't know what to do because of the style of the mount... are there options available for me (besides padded shorts)... how can I configure a new saddle given the unique seat mount on the post?
Thanks!
Joseph
Update:
I found a product for my seat problem that seems to be the perfect solution here.
E-Brompton Banter—Part 9
E-Brompton Banter---Part 9---E-xtended Test
by Turbo Bob
When the great folks at NYCeWheels sent me this electric Brompton for testing a year ago, I figured it would be a 2 or 3 month excitement that might someday fade from my memory. As 3 months turned to 6 and now to 12, I know that myself and all that have gotten the chance to feel the magic this bike offers will hold onto the thrill for years to come. This isn't just any every-day, throw-away bike, it is special in a way that is both easy and hard to describe. As I put pen to paper (so to speak), let me try.
The Electric Brompton is the perfect folding electric bicycle for...everything!
Me being a 5 year + E-bike veteran, I have ridden so many different variations of them. Fast and slow, big and little, inexpensive and very expensive E-bikes have come and gone my way as my bike blog exploits continue. Yet none have offered the utility and convenience I have received from this H3L E-Brompton. Blazoned in bright white and powered by a compact 250 watt direct-drive front hub motor, this bike has been so many places and racked-up so many miles I can barely remember them all.
Tucked in the trunk, taken on public transportation, long group jaunts and just simple rides for local errands are all part of the resume it deals up. I have offered the controls to more friends and new friends than can be counted. It has been on radio interviews about E-bikes, tried at my bi-yearly E-bike seminars and might soon be seen on the pages of my local newspaper in an article about the blossoming desire and technology for E-bikes. Ridden in the mountains, at the beaches and city streets, I have put it though most every type of riding you could imagine.
The convenience of a folding bike meets the power of an electric bike
If you are reading this then you probably already know these facts. Folding bicycles are great. You can take them almost anywhere you go. The Brompton is as rock-solid as they come for all types of riding. It folds to the smallest of packages. It rides just as good as any full-sized bike. Security isn’t an issue as you can tuck it under a desk at work, under a table at an eatery and carry it inside at day‘s end. With three-speeds and an up-right seating position it is as comfy as can be.
E-bikes are great. They can help you up a grade or into a brisk head-wind. They can shorten the longer rides. You can arrive at your destination fresh and refreshed. Folks with conditions that make riding a regular bike tough or impossible can really take advantage of the benefits they offer. They put the fun in riding for so many people.
When you add the fantastic electric-assist to a convenient folding bike you get one of the best products ever in the bike world. That is where the E-Brompton really shines. It has just about everything one could ask for in a bike. Power to spare and utility come oozing out of every seam. Even people who were skeptical at first, after a quick explanation or ride, were also convinced this bike has so much to offer.
I will be the first to admit that way back I was not a big fan of the weak and flimsy folding bikes I tried. Plus after my first E-bike ride some 20 years ago, even though it was interesting, I found the bike was very heavy, slow and had the shortest of range. Times have changed and the E-Brompton is proof of that. Smooth, quality electric-assist mated to a rock-solid well-made folding bike is what the E-Brompton offers---nothing more and nothing less. It is hard not to lay it out that simply.
Electric Brompton: a labor of love
You may know that NYCeWheels worked very hard to come up with this combination. It is a labor of love and it shows with every stroke of the pedal. The only issue I’ve had in a year of riding this bike was one flat rear tire that I blame on a too wide rim strip, and which was repaired with a quick and easy modification of the factory part. I invested in a new tube and I think we can all agree that is small change for a year of fun and extensive riding.
I guess I will continue this extended test. For how long? Who know? What I do know is that I am loving it and the ride and reporting won’t stop this month or next. Thinking about getting your own electric Brompton? I say “Go for it!”
-Turbo Bob.
“No excuses.”---Ted Smith.
Random Post:
E-Brompton Banter–Part 2–Happ-E Feet
Fresh out of the shipping box, My E-Brompton is ready for fun
Ever since my first ride on a Brompton folding bike, I have been intrigued with all the benefits it offers. Easy to store, transport, and secure, it just makes bike riding so accessible. Plus, add to that the great lines and quality of the build, and you have one desirable bike. Now with this electric-motor conversion, it has it all.
NYCeWheels set me up with an extended test on a Raw Lacquer M3L Brompton about a year ago. That started a new direction for my interests in bikes. I have even gotten to tour the Brompton factory in England to seal the deal. Their need for perfection and utility is visible in every part that makes up this folding bike. It is said that they are planning an E-Brompton of their own, but somehow I wonder if they could do better than this.
My E-Brompton
Turbo explores the bay on his E-Brompton
My new H3L E-Brompton arrived at my house in two boxes. One with the bike, and the other with the battery. It made it to its destination in perfect shape. A fully assembled and ready to ride folding E-bike popped out of the package. Dressed up in a beautiful white paint job with shiny new parts, it made me smile. Yes, I have happ-E feet. The battery comes in the ‘C’ bag that I like so much. This bag has many pockets, is water-resistant, and comes with a water-proof outer bag that is quick to use, The bag mounts on the steering tube, not the handlebars, so it doesn’t affect the stability of the bike. It has one easy to plug-in connector for the battery, and a nice quick-release that locks it in place. The electrics of the bike are well mounted and don’t hinder the fold. The wiring is tucked in neatly and everything appears to be factory installed. This NYCeWheels E-bike conversion can be done to the Brompton you already have, or included with your new Brompton purchase. Either way, it seems you are assured a professional looking and responding conversion. Up front is a 250 watt brushless and gearless hub motor. Perfectly laced to the front rim, it is as close to silent as they come. Almost un-noticeable, it appears just a few inches larger that a front hub generator. Some might say they think you need more power, but the torque, speed, and efficiency of this combination is hard to beat. It is designed to assist your pedaling, not replace it.
As this series of articles continues, I will tell of the bike, the E-conversion, the ride, the feel, and some of the rides I take. I can get a little whimsical and airy in my descriptions, as may have noticed in my ‘Boy Gets Brompton’ blogs. I already have a plan to take it to a island destination for some fun. I’ve taken it on several rides along the local bays and bikeways since I got it. No telling where else me and my new E-Brompton might show-up. About a dozen cyclist friends have gotten to try it out too.
A quick run down on the Brompton Bike
At this point a run-down on the bike is in order. The ‘H’ designation means it has the new, taller stem that allows the handgrips to be about 2 inches higher that the ‘M’. This is great for riders who prefer to sit more upright, and for taller people like me. The ‘3’ tells that we have 3-speeds available in the rear geared hub. The ‘L’ goes towards the fact that fenders are bolted on and ready for the puddles.
As you might know, a Brompton can fold to a very small size. The uses there are many. Using public transportation becomes more feasible. You can take it with you into buildings and elevators. It can be stored in closets and car trunks without thinking twice. You will find that these pluses will have you riding more and worrying less. These are great attributes in a bike. That is the Brompton way. An E-bike is still a bike. It rides the same as a bike. The power-assist is there if you need it, but just goes along for the ride when you don’t. A grade coming up? Add some power. Getting tired? Add some power. Aches and pains? Add some power. You get the idea. The E-conversion does add some weight to the bike. As you ride, it is all but unnoticeable. After all, it is just the smallest fraction compared to your own weight. The only time it comes into play is when you are lifting the bike. Close to half of that extra heft is in the removable ’C’ bag that you carry with your other hand anyway. By the way, I got the optional 10 Ah battery that will extend my rides by a lot with almost no extra weight penalty.
So there you have it for now. NYCeWheels has made me a happy man with this new test. I will report on my fun and anything else that comes my way. In the meantime, drop by NYCeWheels and take try out the E-Brompton for yourself!
“The bicycle can be a philosophical tool as readily as it is a locomotive one. While I don’t see anything wrong with the use of bikes for sport, I do get very bored with the way in which the sporting mentality has penetrated every corner of the cycling world. Many cycle tourists, seduced into seeing themselves as just another breed of athlete, wear funny clothes to prove they are serious about it, and plan their trips as just another kind of race: A to B, quickly as possible. There must be more to life than this.”---Gareth Lovett Jones.
Random Post:
Electric bicycles, alternative to cars?
Second and third cars for a family are becoming obsolete with the skyrocketing costs of auto insurance and gasoline. Many families are looking for alternatives to having a second or third car and electric bicycles are being viewed as a great alternative.
Electric bicycles offer you the ability to get to where you need to go quickly, safely and economically - a winning combination! Electric bicycles are much more efficient and cost-effective as compared to cars and even motorcycles.
Electric super bikes as some would call them can either assist you with your trip by offering 50% of the legwork (power assist models) or can whisk you to wherever you need to go as you steer (power-on-demand models). Electric bike kits can even turn an existing bike into an electric bicycle by adding a conversion kit for an electric bike.
Electric bicycles have improved in terms of technology to the point where they are far more economical than even the hybrid vehicles on the market. The long-life of electric bicycles and the mere pennies it costs to recharge the battery make electric bicycles a far more economical choice for anyone commuting to work, school or anywhere else you need to go.
A commuter bicycle made in commuter heaven - electric bicycles are a great choice for people in small or large cities around the globe. It is easy to travel into work on electric bicycles and you can even buy a folding electric bicycle so you can be assured to be able to take your bicycle into the office, gym, house or anywhere you want to store it rather than leaving it outside.
Electric bicycles are also safer for the environment than any car or hybrid vehicle. Electric bicycles have become very popular with many families looking for alternatives to second or third vehicles. In fact there are likely more electric bicycles on the road than you may realize.
Electric bicycles do not necessarily stick out any more than traditional bicycles. With electric bike kits, for example, you can convert almost any bike into an electric bike. But, before you rush out to order a conversion kit for an electric bike you want to make sure that your bike can be converted - there are some models that may not be able to be converted for one reason or another.
Most bike shops will let you know if your bike can become an electric bike or not and some will even do the conversion for you and test it so you know your electric bike kit was set up right.
Today's economy almost demands that people find alternative means of transportation other than buying 2nd or 3rd cars. Electric bicycles have been seen as one of the safest and most economical alternatives to traditional cars and even hybrid cars.
Rather than spend thousands of dollars per year on insurance and skyrocketing gas prices you can get where you need to go by selecting on of the electric bicycles on the market.
Random Post:
E-Brompton Banter-Part 4-Abb-E Road
The E-Brompton and Turbo on the car-empty streets of LA during CicLAviaBrompton Banter Part 4 Abb-E Road, By Turbo Bob
A blog by TurboBob
Part of the fun writing these articles for NYCeWheels comes from choosing the titles of the posts. Seeing that this great folding Brompton is hand-made in England, and considering all the roads I have been riding it on, the title wrote itself. Of course this is the E-Brompton, converted to electric-assist in New York, but the Beatles played in New York, right? Thanks Ed.
"I saw a Brompton Bike Oh boy"
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not comparing myself to the Beatles, but this great bike might make the grade. It is a world-wide sensation and holds top interest for many enthusiasts. It strums a chord with Brompton lovers that rings true. Then add the electric power to round-out its versatility and you have a number one chart topper. Sometimes, the attention I get when riding this bike makes me feel like a rock star.
Keep your E-Bromtpon by your side.
Even without the prying eyes that seem to notice this bike, I just love the feeling it gives me on a personal level. It rides so nice and the power to tackle the grades easily brings a smile to my face. The inner satisfaction of a folding E-bike is a great boon on the harsh streets I sometimes ride. It soaks up the pavement and gets me down the road in style and comfort. And the ease of keeping it by my side gives a feeling of security that I don’t always get with my other bikes.
Fold your Brompton up and head on out
Lots of my rides are near the house and consist of errands and visits. Many more are accessed with a car ride to cool places. After a quick fold the Brompton is loaded up and we are on our way. Upon arrival, a few seconds turns the small package into a full-sized bike and the ride begins. And what a ride it is. With three-speeds, the Brompton can handle most areas I ride in with no problem. But, if the going gets tough, I just toggle the thumb throttle, and the power of the 250 watt hub motor pulls me up and over any grade in the road.
The long and winding road, on your Brompton
What a great feeling it is to know that this E-bike can take me to places known and unknown. It is like a one-man tour bus. It has a spot for all my gear and between the power in my legs and the power of the electric motor, we can work our way into the neatest of locales. With the near silent operation of the direct-drive motor, I am sometimes unnoticed as I zip through city streets and quiet neighborhoods, something the Fab Four could appreciate.
To say I am loving my time with this gem would be an understatement. It fits so many of my cycling needs. It kind of lingers in the corner of the house until it comes to my side. Then, like two guitars in sync, we bond time and time again. I feel this way about some of my other bikes, but not nearly as on the level of this E-Brompton. It has that something special that you only get from a best friend.
The quality of this bike and E-conversion are also part of the package. It has a feel that you don’t get from other bikes. Tight, solid, and fast, it just all makes sense. There are no worries as you ride far from home. The confidence this brings to any ride will keep you in the saddle until supper is ready and waiting. I have even missed a meal or two because the fun kept flowing, just like the bike does as you ride new and exciting places. But when I’m ready, the E-Brompton will bring me back home happy and content, if not a tad hungry.
The E-Brompton- music to my ears
Like a favorite song, the tune of this bike keeps playing in your mind. Even folded and sitting waiting for the next ride, it brings good times to your memory. It is an art form unlike any other, as it plays on your inner needs for beauty and necessity. It brings to life many hidden desires that will keep your days and nights filled with happiness and music. The kind of music that can’t be muffled by traffic or congestion. An E-Brompton has the rhythm that so many long for.
I applaud this bike every day, Turbo Bob.
“As a kid I had a dream---I wanted to own my own bicycle. When I got the bike I must have been the happiest boy in Liverpool, maybe in the world. I lived for that bike. Most kids left their bikes in the backyard at night. Not me. I insisted on taking mine indoors and the first night I even kept it by my bed. Funny, although it was important to me then, I can’t remember what finally happened to it.”---John Lennon.
Random Post:
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.
Random Post:
Alternative to Mass Transportation
Mass transit is wonderful and horrible all at the same time. Every major city and many smaller cities have elaborate mass transit systems. Though some cities boast terrific mass transit systems they are still not the ultimate form of transportation.
Many commuters complain of long lines, over-crowded buses, trains and subway, as well as long waits for a bus, subway or train to come. These same commuters feel compelled to use mass transit because they need an economic means of transportation that is quick enough to get through the traffic found in most cities.
Electric bikes are a great way to get around any city or metro-area. Electric bikes can make mass transportation a thing of the past for you.
Whether you are looking for new forms of transportation that are faster, or because you want a safer means of transportation or a more economical one - electric bikes may be the answer to your prayers.
Anyone living in a major city knows that traffic is always a nightmare. Subways usually provide the fasted transportation. Smelly, steamy, over-crowded subway platforms are sometimes unsafe, unsanitary and unwelcome. The option for many people is either take a car, cab or walk.
A car in a major city is usually more of a liability than an assistance. Cab fares are expensive and walking is not always an option. An electric powered bike is a great alternative that many people do not even realize exists.
Electric bikes are efficient and cost-effective making them a great means of transportation. Rather than waiting for a bus or subway you can be on your way quickly and easily to wherever you need to go.
If you live in the suburbs you may consider electric mountain bikes - or perhaps that is your best option because the streets in your city are not all that you wish them to be. Electric motor bikes are a great alternative to expensive, crowded trains and subways.
Electric bikes come in various types and styles and this website explains them all. For those looking for an alternate to mass transit but are concerned with leaving their bicycle unattended to, folding electric bikes may be the perfect solution because you can take them in with you and easily store them virtually anywhere.
People in major cities around the world have been looking for ways to avoid mass transportation. Some feel mass transportation is not convenient enough, others feel mass transportation is not safe enough, while others think mass transportation is not economical enough.
Electric bikes are a great way to solve any and all of these problems. People across the world who live or work in major cities, or commute moderate distances to and from work or school have found that electric bikes offer greater flexibility, more dependability, safer and more economical transportation than mass transit systems.
Rather than complain about buses, subways and trains you can put all those problems behind you by buying a reliable electric bike.
"What if I only have a mile or two to travel, and I'm looking for something electric that is light-weight and portable, something that's smaller than a bike?" Then it sounds like you should think about choosing an electric scooter. An electric motorized scooter is no electric bike, but more than suitable for basic travel needs. "What if I don't even need it to be electric? I just want something very small and light!" Then it sounds like you're in the market for a kick scooter (check out the Xootr kick scooter, as seen in 'Little Manhattan.')
Going Electric: the Folding Conversion
If there is one experience that I have noticed consistently blowing bikers' minds, it is trying out an electric bicycle for the first time. The experience is a total revelation. Climbing up hills suddenly feels like coasting downhill, and acceleration to 20 miles per hour or more takes somewhere between little and no effort.
Elegant Electricity
For many, while the electric option is an intriguing one, quality fully integrated electric
bikes are prohibitively expensive. Others don't wish to sacrifice their perfectly balanced bike setups, or the compactness of their folding bike, by adding a clunky electronic component. Fortunately, the Crystalyte conversion kits that we use at NYCeWheels overcome these issues elegantly.
These electric systems have the capacity to electrify almost any folding bike with 20"wheels--the standard wheel size for most Dahon and Tern bikes. The battery and controller (think of it as the system's "brain") are housed in a rear rack-mounted durable nylon bag, and the motor is built into the hub of the front wheel, producing an extremely well-balanced ride.
20 MPH Without Breaking a Sweat
A simple handlebar-mounted console lets you to select the power output of their motor, allowing you to dial in the exact amount of pedal assistance you want. On the lowest setting, pedaling simply feels easier, while on the highest setting you can fly at 20mph without breaking a sweat. And while the 10 amp hour battery will be plenty to carry you through your commute and back, the optional 15 amp hour version will have you biking around effortlessly all afternoon.
Compatible with Internal Hubs
This kit is especially useful for anyone who wants a bike with both an electric motor and an internal gear hub--since the motor is built into the front hub rather than the rear, as is the case with most electric conversion kits, it does not interfere your bike's gearing mechanisms.
It's a smart, convenient little package, so it makes sense that one customer recently had it installed on a Tern Link D8, itself an exceedingly well designed product. I think his face really says it all.
If you want to look that happy about your folding electric bike, look no further than this highly versatile conversion kit from NYCeWheels!
About the Author
Miles Schneider is a folding and electric bike specialist and blogger for NYCeWheels in New York City. He plays the 6-string electric violin and loves dogs.
How to Buy the RIGHT Electric Bike
Average Joe Cyclist Guide
As gas prices and obesity skyrocket, more and more people are seeing the incredibly exciting potential of electric bikes. Electric bikes burn calories and fat, not gas. As I wrote in my post Lose Weight on your Electric Bike, electric bikes can help you lose a ton of weight. And they make cycling possible for almost everyone – not just the very fit.
Electric bikes blend muscle and machine into a better, faster, stronger you!
As I wrote in a previous post, Electric Bikes make Cycling Accessible for (almost) Everyone!
No wonder the popularity of electric bikes is soaring! In 2010, 27 MILLION electric bikes were sold; by 2011, that number had grown to 30 million. Today, electric bikes are the most successful mass-produced electric vehicles in the world.
Electric Bikes are on the rise
It is predicted that by 2025, sales of electric bikes will reach 90 million per year – so if you’re interested in buying an electric bike, you are not alone.
The perfect Electric Bike
I have been using electric bikes for a long time. They’ve made me fit, and helped me lose weight. I’ve written about my passion for electric bikes in several posts for NYCeWheels, including BionX to the Rescue – in the Snow, which shows that an electric bike will even get you to work in a snow storm!
But one problem is that many people are overwhelmed by the choices available when they start thinking about buying an electric bike. After all, it’s not as if we can just choose the bike our dad drove when we were kids! This is new technology, changing and improving all the time, so where to start?
Finding your perfect Electric Bike!
As with any important, expensive purchase, the best place to start is at a good, reputable dealer. In this respect, you can’t go wrong with a knowledgeable, reputable electric bike dealer.
Apart from working with a dealer you can trust, it is advisable to learn a bit about electric bikes, so you know what you’re doing.
So I’ve written a book that gives you an overview of all of the relevant technology, and then helps you to understand the bottom line of what's important as you choose your electric bike.
(This is a Kindle book, but you don’t have to own a Kindle to read it – you can use their easy-to-download software to read it on your own PC.)
You can choose to assimilate all of the technology, or just use the bottom line to guide you. No matter what your needs are, this book includes all the information you need to make a wise decision when you buy your electric bike.
Before you spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on an electric bike, invest $10 in my book to help you choose the RIGHT BIKE FOR YOU – then you'll know exactly which electric bike to buy from a reputable dealer like NYCeWheels.
By guest blogger Average Joe Cyclist
Most creative Electric Bike Conversions
My name is Jack, an employee at NYCeWheels bike shop in NYC. At the shop, part of my job is to connect with communities of cyclists via social media outlets. This is a two way street-- we post pics of our bikes, links to the most recent videos reviews etc, and in return people send us their own stories, pics and videos. This is really the best part of my job, getting to be a part of people's passions, being given a window into a wide variety of creative and innovative projects. Some of the most interesting projects I've come across are from cyclists looking to convert their bicycle into an electric bike via an electric bike conversion kit. Many of the most creative electric bike conversions have involved the BionX Bike Kit.
BionX- versatile electric conversion kit
Just to give a little background, the BionX Bike Kit is an electric conversion kit, which allows you to convert virtually any regular bike into a powerful electric bike. The versatility of the BionX Bike Kit makes it popular with e-bike enthusiasts looking for creative ways to electrify their bikes (and other wheeled contraptions).
The BionX on a Recumbent tricycle
Converting a recumbent bike with an electric conversion kit is such a logical and brilliant idea, that I wonder that I'de never considered it before. Here's a good example sent to us from Brenden, a past customer who installed the BionX Electric Conversion Kit on his Scorpion Recumbent Trike. You can see the BionX on the back wheel. Aside from having a killer look, the Scorpion makes a great choice for electric conversion, due to it's large wheels, and nice comfy seat. Whenever you need a break, just lean back, and let the motor carry you along in comfort. Man I really need to get me one of these.
BionX on a wind powered trike. What? Oh Yes.
This is probably one of the most eccentric electric conversions I've come across, the BionX Powered Pterosail Trike. This was built by Pterosail Trike Systems in 2010, who announced they would be taking their wind powered trike cross country as a triumph of green technology. The trike is meant to be powered primarily via sail, but, when the wind is lacking, the rider can activate a 36o watt BionX motor attached to the back wheel, to help motor along in the interim. This is so amazingly cool, I don't even have the words.
Custom BionX Mods
As BionX conversion kits become increasingly well known, we're starting to see some really great custom jobs. Some of these have been pioneered by my coworkers here at the shop. Last year we created an electric folding Mountain bike, installing the BionX Motor on the Montague Paratrooper. And just last month, my coworker built up one of the first electric fat bikes, installing a motor on the Surly Moonlander, featuring impressive 4.7 inch tires.
Other Custom BionX Conversions have come straight from past customers. One of the most creative and prolific E-bike pioneers has been Paul DeGarie, who has sent us a steady stream of impressive Custom BionX conversions on a variety of different of different bikes.
As the new 2013 season gets off the ground, I look forward to seeing what electric conversions we'll be seeing next. In a world where bikes fold, have sails, and can be electrified via powerful conversion kits, anything seems possible.
E-Brompton Banter-Part 8-Sexy in the Cit-E, by Turbo Bob
Yes, this E-Brompton is looking good, in the city, suburbs or the country. It has lines that are unmistakable and loved by many. Even though it has been converted to an electric-assist bike by NYCeWheels, it is all Brompton. The arch of the frame and the rise in the handlebars just talk to me. No, I’m not going batty, just speaking my mind without inhibitions.
For many of you, the sexy look of a Brompton is an everyday excitement. Whether you already ride one or are saving your pennies to get one, you have the bug. Just a glimpse of one of these fast moving folding bikes is enough to bring converts into its graces. If the profile doesn’t get you, the scene of the folding procedure will pull you in.
Turning heads with the Brompton Bike
How will you look when riding a Brompton? Well, if the bike looks awesome, you should reflect the same. I know I am no GQ model (although I am featured in the centerfold of a brand X E-bike catalog), I think I look pretty racy saddled up on this fancy electric folding bike. With no sweat on my brow or a strained appearance on my face, my smile when riding makes for a pretty sight. My E-Brompton and I are quite a vision as we pedal by.
My H3L E-Brompton is white, which I really think pops. Of course, they come in lots of great colors and even combinations of colors. A raw lacquer Brompton with the E-conversion would be especially worth riding. You may have seen some of the custom painted and decorated versions of this folding bike I have posted on the NYCeWheels Facebook page. One of those with electric power could be like a color explosion.
The Brompton Bike Community
Brompton riders are kind of like their own club. They band together and even share a wave or ring of the bell as they pass. The smile from anybody riding one of these is contagious. People look their best when they are with friends and happy. Even if you are riding on your own, you can consider your bike as a friend and that makes you happy too. Content riders just look sexy.
Poetry in motion can be one way to describe an E- Brompton and its passenger as they roll down a city street. The smooth cadence of the pedals, the quiet power of the 250 watt front hub motor and the peaceful calm of the riders thoughts are the dreams of many. The serenity of security this folding bike gives you at each stop adds to the rhyme of the ride. A Brompton, E-powered or not, can make your life a living dream.
Suiting up!
When you ride one of these alluring folding bikes you might want to dress the part. Your Sunday best, your Saturday grubbies, or a classic English outfit might bring it all together for you. For me, short pants, a t-shirt and sandals do the trick. That’s my daily uniform, but I have been known to dress up in tweed and argyle for special occasions. Clothes might make the person, but the bike can make the difference. Add a Christys’ Fur Felt Bowler hat for the full effect if you feel the need.
Fashion can have a lot to do with the Brompton lifestyle. Any garb will do, but for large numbers of riders, the sexy look of a Brompton needs to be highlighted with some fancy threads. A loving couple, dressed to the tens, on a pair of these folding E-bikes is a sight we all love to see. So hit the mall, check your tire pressures and take to the city streets on a E-Brompton for the thrill of a lifetime.
Sexy is as sexy does- Turbo Bob.
“The grace and charm of the bicycle lend added warmth and contour to the persons of the lovers it joins.”---James E Starrs, The Noiseless Tenor.
Read more Blogs by Turbo Bob
E-Brompton Banter—Part 7—Helping My Communit-E
How can a simple and fun folding E-bike help my community, you might ask. The answer is ’in more ways than is easily imagined‘. The benefits it gives an individual are many. Health, happiness and economical ease are some of the ways. The freedom and joy of a bike ride can be big factors in a person’s life.
Go green and get healthy with E-bikes
The ways it helps those around you and your community are also very big. We all hate air pollution. Equally, we don’t care much for noise pollution either. You won’t see or hear an electric-assist Brompton adding either of these things to the world around you. The world loves quiet and the E-Brompton love the world. Any bike helps to keep the gas-burners off the road and out of the way of our serenity. The Brompton with an electric-assist conversion does it so much better. Of course the folding aspect of the Brompton is very handy for many reasons, but add in the power to help you up the grades and your peace of mind while cycling goes sky-high. A contented person does wonders for any community.
Turbo Bob's E-brompton
The health benefits of cycling are well known. With an E-Brompton, you have the option of not pedaling, but you will find that when you are on a bike, pedaling just comes naturally. As with most E-bikes, the best way to ride is to let the motor do some of the work while you do the rest. Another great part of E-bikes is the way they can help people recovering from health issues get back on a bike and work their way back to full strength. Count on an electric-assist Brompton for that.
Some people who would otherwise never cycle because of lost strength for many reasons, can enjoy cycling with minimal concerns. Helping people do what they want, when they want to is a big reason that E-bikes continue to gain popularity world-wide. Adding electric power to a Brompton folding bike just makes sense in so many ways.
E-brompton goes to city hall
The reason I decided to do this post on helping the community with my Brompton has to do with a recent trip to city hall here in San Diego. A local bike advocacy group, Bike San Diego, put together a day where we would ask our local leaders to move towards making our town more bike friendly. I could have ridden downtown, but it is quite a way. So, I popped the E-Brompton in the back of my econo-wagon and drove about half way to the free parking area near the airport.
Riding to the meeting was a big part of the plan. And handing over that cash to the parking place might have helped our local economy, but I’d rather spread it around in ways that make more sense. Spending your money wisely helps your community too. It has been proven that a strong biking presence in a area promotes businesses. Riding an E-Brompton makes for a good local economy.
After the meeting there were friends and new friends that wanted to talk about the E-Brompton. And as always I let anyone interested take it for as long of a spin as they wanted. I have long since lost count of how many seats have sat in my saddle since NYCeWheels sent me this bike last year. There is much talk in every instance of how this bike would be so welcome in their lifestyle. E-Bromptons bring community members together.
This post on how E-Bromptons are good for communities is kind of a stretch, but not all that much. Bikes are good for us, E-bikes are good for us, so why not electric-assist folding bikes? If it is good for even one person, the whole area benefits. I know the E-brompton has been great for me. It has been handy, rides great, makes me happy, and helps pull me up the hills when I need. What more could you ask for in a bike?
Turbo Bob.
“Any body type can be fit to a bicycle and any person, regardless of age or sex, can excel on one. In fact, a smart women can be competitive against a stronger man simply by using common sense and intuition.”---Connie Carpenter Phinney.
Read more Blogs by Turbo Bob
E-Brompton Banter—Part 5—Surfin’ Safar-E
E-Brompton Banter---Part 5---Surfin’ Safar-E--- By Turbo Bob
E-Brompton and board carrier
After my last installment of E-Brompton Banter, you might think I have my head in the clouds. You wouldn’t be the first one to think that. Today we are headed back to earth, specifically the shore break here in sunny Southern California.
Now, I can’t take my E-Brompton out in the waves to catch the big one, but I can sure ride the coastline to watch some great surfing. And the E-Brompton could be the best way to get yourself and your board to the action. Board trailers, board racks or just carrying it while you ride west makes it easy. Back in my surfing days, bikes, woodies and surfboards went together like Hawaii and shooting the curl. Nowadays with all the woodies in car shows or museums, bikes are bigger than ever for getting to the beach. Having an E-bike is even better than a woodie. Every cool surfer knows that protecting our planet is part of what keeps the waves rolling. How are you going to hang ten if the ocean gets sick? Riding an E-bike is just one way to help, and a big one for sure. So hitch-up your baggies and ’Let’s go surfing’.
What makes the Electric Brompton Stand Out?
You could use just any bike to get you and your board to the waves, so why an E- Brompton? Some of the reasons stand out just looking at it. The solid build, electric-assist, stylish looks and convenience factors easily talk loud enough to be heard over the pounding surf. Once you try one out, the reasons just keep flowing. Here’s a powerful bike that can be folded and tucked away into the safest of places. While you rock the waves, your E-Brompton will be waiting to take you to the next big break.
Combine the small fold with a cool surfboard carrier like in the photo, and you will never wonder where to park your bike again. This carrier uses the board as the trailer, and it all tucks into a small bag for security or storage. Once again that convenience factor stands out like a switch foot in the white water. And if glassy conditions abound, you’ll be hangin’ loose with the crowd at the fish taco stand on the neatest beach bike ever. Can you say kowabunga?
Making new friends with the Brompton
I have been cruising the E-Brompton lent to me by NYCeWheels all up and down the coast. It allows me to tuck into some tight spots to see the awesome surfing all over our area. It makes it easy to get access to many great areas that overlook the best local shore breaks. The electric-assist gets me up to some of the higher spots with ease. And if need be, a quick fold makes it easy to climb and carry to the tougher places in the cliffs.
When the waves are blown-out and the surfers are on the beach, I’ve had many conversations with them about this great E-Brompton. They are quick to spot it amongst all the other bikes in the area. Many of them live on boats or in the smallest of places, and they are fast to see how handy it could be for them. If they aren’t too wet or sandy, I’ll send them off for a test ride which always brings a smile. I love to brag about my old surfing days but they usually just want to talk about the Brompton Bike.
Talking about Bromptons is almost as much fun as riding them. These wonderful folding bikes are as much like a piece of art as it gets. The care and technology put into each Brompton is amazing. People love watching it fold and unfold. They can’t seem to get enough of the way it all tucks together. And when you climb on one, the thrills just keep coming. The ride, easy pedaling and looks appeals to lots of people, not just surfers.
The E-Brompton- a professional Electric Conversion
Turbo and the E-Brompton just love the beach
The E-assist on this Brompton is done in the most professional way. It looks and feels factory. So simple and powerful, you might want to ride it instead of surfing. I’ve had a few surfers forgo some nice waves to stay on the beach a little longer as they check out and try this special E-bike. In fact, the amount of interest it gets makes me wonder if NYCeWheels can keep up with the demand they seem to generate. They don’t mind building as many E-Bromptons as the world needs, I would think.
Have you tried an E-Brompton from NYCeWheels yet? No, well then hang-ten over to the shop and see what you are missing.
Thanks for kickin’ in, Turbo Bob.
“Bicycles are almost as good as guitars for meeting girls.”---Bob Weir.
Read more Blogs by Turbo Bob
The Stromer Electric Bike: My First E-bike Experience
Before I started working at NYCeWheels, I worked as a free lance writer, test-riding bikes and composing reviews for the blog and website. One of the first bikes they gave me to test out was the Stromer Electric Bike, a sleek looking E-bike designed with a traditional mountain bike frame, 26" inch wheels, front shocks, the works. At that point, I didn't know my pedals from my pedalec, but I had a great time cruising around the central park bike path, boosting up the juice with the power on demand throttle, and passing road bikers going 20mph on an incline, a really really great time.
Learning about the Stromer Electric Bike
Stromer Electric Bike
Since then, I've become much more familiar with the Stromer Electric Bike and have come to appreciate it not only for its ride, but also its design. Made in Switzerland, it features some very impressive craftsmanship--- a hydro-formed aluminum frame, Maxxis Overdrive tires, and a hydraulic suspension fork.
The Stromer Electric Bike is also one of our most powerful e-machines. Fit with a powerful 500 Watt motor, the Stromer Electric Bike can go 20 mph, travel upwards of 20mph on a charge, and has excellent acceleration. Like all of our e-bikes and folding bikes, the Stromer can be fit with a wide range of great accessories.
Activating the electric motor on the Stromer
Stromer LCD Panel
To activate the motor you use an LCD Dash panel, which mounts to the handlebars of the Stromer for easy access. The dash panel shows a wide range of useful information like speed, distance, and battery life. Using physical buttons on the panel, you can add increasing levels of assistance and the motor will actually help you pedal.
The effect is very nice, you feel like you are pedaling naturally until you realize you've been averaging 18 mph on an incline without breaking a sweat. If you want to get a little exercise, you can even add resistance with the dash panel, allowing you to generate energy, and recharge the battery with your pedaling.
The Stromer: Deluxe Vs Elite
Stromer Electric Bike
The Stromer Electric Bike comes in a few different models. The Stromer Delux is the base model, fit with the LCD Dash panel, mechanical disc brakes, and 8 speeds. The Stromer Elite is a nice upgrade from the Delux--- in addition to the LCD Screen the Stromer Elite is fit with hydraulic disc brakes with even more stopping power, a triple front chain ring with 27 speeds, and Shimano Deore derailleurs, some of the best components you'll find on any electric bike. The added gears make a big difference, by shifting gears when you go up inclines or down hills, you allow the electric motor to be even more efficient, increasing your range.
Stromer Electric Bike Discount
Stromer Electric Bike Discount
A Stromer Electric Bike for the Holidays
The Stromer Electric Bike was really my introduction to E-bikes, but since it has remained one of my favorite bikes in the shop, partly out of nostalgia. If you're in the market for a great E-bike now's a great time--- for the holidays you can get a great discount, free shipping, free comfort seat, free rack, a $250 value! So don't wait, order the Stromer Electric Bike today, and start riding.
Best
Jack
The eZee Sprint Electric Bike
eZee Sprint Electric Bike Battery and Motor
The eZee Sprint Electric Bike is one of the more versatile E-bikes on the market, powerful, efficient and also more affordable than most other models. This blog will focus on what makes the eZee Sprint Electric Bike so unique.
1) The eZee Sprint uses a powerful motor
The eZee Sprint electric bike uses a 350 watt brush-less motor capable of putting out 750 Watts of power on command. In the world of E-bikes, the wattage of a motor determines how much energy can be used at a given time, the higher the Wattage the more force can be exerted at any given time. Because the eZee Sprint Electric bike uses a motor with such a high output, it is going to be able to take off faster and accelerate at a faster pace.
2) The eZee Sprint requires little maintenance
Because of it's superb design, the eZee Sprint is very low maintenance. It uses a 7 speed internal hub to protect the gears from the elements, is fully weather proofed capable of riding on the rainiest days, and is powered by a lithium ion battery that should last for over 500 charge cycles.
3) eZee Sprint comes fully loaded
eZee Sprint Electric Bike
The eZee Sprint comes with all the accessories you might need for a daily commute. It has powerful lights, fenders for rainy weather, an advanced cycle computer, a mounted rear rack, and an extra cushy seat. Straight out of the box you should be fully prepared to tackle your first commute, whether it be a quick joy ride, or a 10 mile commute to work through a thunder shower.
4) The eZee Sprint uses new 15Ah Lithium Batteries
One of the best features of the eZee sprint Electric Bike is that it is able to use 15AH lithium batteries which extend its overall range to 30 miles! Where as wattage is a measure of how much energy is used, "Amp Hours (AH)" is a measure of your total reservoir of energy. A large reservoir of energy translates to a longer range. So while most other E-bikes are using 10AH batteries capable of going around 20 miles, the eZee Sprint Electric Bikes are around 50% more efficient, traveling upwards of 30.
The eZee Sprint overall
eZee Sprint electric bike
The eZee Sprint Electric Bike is powerful, able to start on a dime, efficient with extra long lasting 15 Amp Hour Lithium Batteries, and cheaper than most other models on the market. Anyone who looking for a good way to commute to work, a fun way to pick up your groceries, or a just a quick and easy way to get around, the eZee Sprint Electric Bike is worth checking out.
