Motorized

Comment

Comment by Jeff Markus on January 15, 2013 at 5:37pm

Well after diving in I found that as usual if I step into a line it immediately stops. After I joined the group went stagnant...is it my breath?

I also broke down and bought an electric bike. A Prodeco Storm, 350Watts, front wheel motor with a 9Ahr Lithium battery. And as soon as I bought in the line stopped....I found problems in manufacturing, as the builder didn't tighten or locktite the front brake disc bolts so I lost all but one in less than 2 weeks (Prodeco stood up and sent me new ones but it took two mailings and several e-mails to get it straight).

Then the battery rack started to come apart and the battery pack couldn't stand up to a late spring shower.

So with a new battery and rack that I installed myself the new battery snapped all of its plastic clips so I was left with making my own straps to keep the battery on.

Then after weeks of silence from Prodeco Iposted  my tale of woe on one of the national forums which got me accused of trying to sink the company and a new 'style' of battery with 'heavier duty' clips.

The new battery doesn't fit the rack because the clips shrink the rack dimensions and now I have to refabricate the rack and the weather has me locked down for that kinda work.

When it ran (and I was still on the temp contract) the concept was great I was doing 8+ miles one way charging at work (about a half charge) acheiving around 14MPH average on road vehicular style riding (stopping for all lights, etc)  and I got to work awake not fatuiged and all was well. Now if I can iron out the details I'll be in hog heaven...

Jeff

Comment by Todd Allen on March 17, 2011 at 12:47am

Hi Jeff,

 

I prefer electric, but each has their good and bad points.

 

The bad for electric is that batteries store very little energy compared to gas.  If you need to go fast and far then it will require very expensive batteries.  Most of the electric bike components are made in China and are of marginal quality.  And when something does go wrong, there aren't many service/support options.

 

The Xtracycle is a good starting point for any motorized bike, either gas or electric.   Once you have additional power it is really nice to have added carrying capacity.

 

Bad points for gas are it will probably have to stay outside or in a garage.  The noise and smell may make you unwelcome among other cyclists, on bike paths, on a train, etc.  And small engines tend to need frequent service and can gum up after sitting unused such as over winter.  And gas bikes have more restrictions/regulations in most legal jurisdictions.

Comment by Jeff Markus on March 14, 2011 at 12:00am

OK Todd ya just doubled the size of the forum just by the power of your magnetic personality. Well that and I'm interested in the concept of 'hybrid' bicycles.

I have been considering as retro fit of on of my bikes with a electric hub motor and possibly a Xtracycle stretch attachment to make it an urban transporter for Chicago's flat streets.

So what's yer take on the issue? gas powered or electric?

Jeff

The Chicagoan