Western Railroad Discussion > Railfan Arms Race

I'm adding a new tool to my kit:   An E Bike....   I've added bags for the cameras etc, upgraded the tires & suspension for off road, and reprogramed the software for slower running & longer range.
The goal is easier accsess to the more remote sections here on Donner, and my Nercophoaming in the desert. 
Stay tuned.
SR

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Holy Cow! 

That’s a serious looking bike!

Posted from iPhone

Is that a cellphone mounted on the handle bar-?  Appears to be a rugged bike ready for some serious adventures.  Go for it-!

She's quite a beast - should be fun!!

Don't forget a pump and puncture repair kit...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/21 13:54 by exhaustED.

How do the batteries work on those - is it a fixed level that needs recharging after riding, or more of a Re-Gen where the charging is done through pedaling?

Happy trails,

Rich

The bike has 3 ways it can be used
1. As a normal bike- peddling (8 Speed)
2. Electric assist- it senses your peddling, and helps. It feels like someone pushing you.
3. Pure electric- you don’t peddle at all.

You can flip through those 3 modes as you go, but the more you peddle, the greater your range.
The company claims up to 60mi if you help it along, 20 if you just sit back and look out the window.

It can regenerate power when you coast- but it’s somewhat counterproductive. It’s like going into dynamic braking the instant you stop peddling. I’ve found I’m peddling (using battery) to avoid slowing down (regenerating). User groups claim that in real world riding you’d be lucky to recoup 5%. So I’ll probably lock it out- but it’s early days, so I’ll wait and see if it works for me.
SR

Oh, and that’s the control pad on the handlebar.

I'm gonna get me one of these when they offer one built for 2 riders. That way I can steer and she can peddle !!!   Should be fun.

   Thanks, Ross Rowland 

Ah. So one can assume Karen doesn’t follow TO too closely…..
SR

That's a good looking rig.

Given the range impact you're going to experience with the climbs, it might be worth trying to recoup on some on the downhill runs and leaving re-gen enabled. (E.g. if you wind up on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, there's a ton of up and down.) Dust is a pain, but it looks like your bags have the waterproof YKK zippers. (I have some Ortlieb stuff for my bike that helps in that regard, but even working out of my car I get a ton of that Donner Moon Dust in my kit.)

Looking forward to seeing how it works. It looks like it will be a great tool.

Sean

broken_link Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That's a good looking rig.
>
> Given the range impact you're going to experience
> with the climbs, it might be worth trying to
> recoup on some on the downhill runs and leaving
> re-gen enabled. (E.g. if you wind up on the
> Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, there's a ton of up and
> down.) Dust is a pain, but it looks like your bags
> have the waterproof YKK zippers. (I have some
> Ortlieb stuff for my bike that helps in that
> regard, but even working out of my car I get a ton
> of that Donner Moon Dust in my kit.)
>
> Looking forward to seeing how it works. It looks
> like it will be a great tool.
>
> Sean
Regen doesnt do much at all more of a brake than helping recharge just the way it works out due to the motor being what it is and not a generator design. I own a Radrover one somewhat like that one and love it some carry an extra battery his is going to eat more due to total weight. Few think about that part on either a car or bike thats battery assisted or powered.

As I said- it’s early days yet. I’m still sorting out what works for and against what I’m trying to do.
The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is high on my E Bike To Do list! It looks to be ready made for bikes.
SR

I love the Reddy Kilowatt sticker on the frame

Most of what I have in mind won’t involve huge mileage. I just need to get beyond where the Subie can take me. Out maybe 10-15 miles or so on service roads and abandoned RoW.
Yes, the weight is going to eat up battery capacity- I’m counting on a spare battery to keep my out of trouble. If I stay well within the range of the first battery I should be okay.
SR

It's cheating, but at our age, every little bit helps. I am a semi-avid cyclist, but am starting to think the e-Bike is a good idea!

TJY

I know, right?!
SR

How is it in 6 inches of sand?

Out 

5" lower...

Is there a Hy-Rail kit available?

28x4” tires- the beach cruise’s choice.
I’ll be fine.
SR

Posted from iPhone