What have you learned from your e-bike experiences?

[kevinmccune]

Well, I am officially early retirement age this year and had been walking about four miles a week at the park. My spine is a mess from my cervical to my lumbar spine. I blew another cervical disc last Fall while painting the ceilings in the house. I recently pulled out my 38 year old 3-speed Dahon and finally put new tires on it. Cardio, cardio, cardio! Wow! I had forgotten about how gravity going up a couple of the hills on my five mile route that I did twice a visit, twice a week, would put a good load on the old blood pumper. I had to zigzag the biggest hill to use gravity to help get up to the top. I then tried a six speed folding bicycle with some success but that one hill was still too much. I finally decided to roll the dice on an inexpensive Class 2 entry level Ebike and it was an answer to my prayers. Instead of two five mile laps at the park, I do two seven mile legs from my home to the park and park to my home twice a week. That one hill is no longer my archnemesis and I only use the pedal assist for about 10% of my ride so the battery is still reading full after 28 miles. Rock on, E-bikers, Rock on!

the main thing,enjoy!

 

[Drbike]

What I’ve learned it’s not what you ride, how long or short your ride is, how fast or slow you ride, it’s the fact that you ride makes us a better community member. We enjoy our neighborhoods, cities and rural roads and that makes us more connected to ourselves.

 

[PedalUma]

I learned to do this. It is my most recent review on google maps. She is 71 and will ride coast to coast.

patrice mcdonald
1 review · 1 photo

a day ago
New

I came to Pedaluma eBikes in search of the right e-bike for a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country bike camping tour. After spotting Rick (“the bike guy”) on a forum and reaching out with a few questions, I quickly realized I had found the right expert. Rick immediately welcomed my questions, and what began as a casual DM turned into a detailed exchange of emails and calls about my riding history, needs, and plans. As a taller female cyclist planning to ride over 3,500 miles on mixed terrain with a 25 lb kit, my requirements were anything but straightforward. We soon agreed that no stock bike would perfectly fit my situation. Rick stepped in with deep knowledge, patience, and creativity, ultimately guiding me toward a custom build. From start to finish, the process was remarkably efficient—less than 60 days from our first conversation to bike delivery, even though the frame had to be sourced from the UK. Considering I live more than 1,100 miles from Petaluma, the fact that we managed this entirely via email and phone is a testament to Rick’s professionalism and responsiveness. The result? A truly exceptional bike. Sleek, powerful, quiet, and beautifully built, it’s everything I could have hoped for and more. I’ve already taken it on a bike camping trip, and it performed flawlessly. As Rick predicted, I had zero range anxiety on a 75-mile ride with a full pack, and the Colorado Front Range headwinds never got the better of me. Pedaluma eBikes delivered not just a bike, but a partner for my adventures ahead. I am grateful to Rick for his expertise, dedication, and care, and I am confident this steel steed will carry me through many miles of exploration. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and passionate e-bike builder.

 

[PedalUma]

On Patrice's bike we couldn't just use any standard bike frame material. There were three main factors 1) Comfort, 2) Strength, 3) Lightweight. Those three typically never overlap in a Venn diagram. We used a handmade lugged frame made from a special material called Reynolds 631. The seat stays and fork were made from spring steel to work like a suspension but without the downtime maintenance issues and added weight. Use AI to look up the properties of this frame material. https://www.reynoldstechnology.biz/materials/steel/s-631/
The group set is gravel specific with MTB range with road bike indexing and is extra-durable to go the distance. It is called Shimano GRX.
The compact, quiet and efficient motor is fully user programable. Although labeled as 500 watts, it will do 18 amps at 48V nominal (48V x 18A = 864W). She took it to 29 mph, 46.7 kph, and it felt stable at that speed. Then she remembered that she is 71 and maybe should slowdown a little.

 

[PedalUma]

Here is a short video that shows some build secrets on how to make extra wires vanish. And here is what the other side of that bike looks like.

 

[PCeBiker]

What I learned:

• Wear elbow pads and knee pads along with your helmet. There's a reason that NHTSA keeps stats on bike fatalities.
  

I always wear my helmet with a mirror attached to it and goggles, as well as gloves, boots, a jean jacket, and work pants.

But, it wasn't until I saw your post that I decided to buy elbow and knee pads.

I've got double knee work pants and the pads fit into the pants, and the elbow pads fit nicely inside my jean jacket without binding.

I was worried that they wouldn't be comfortable, or be too hot to wear when the humidex is almost 40°C, but they're fine.

I haven't "used" them yet, so I can't comment on their crash resistance, but I feel better protected.

 

[PedalUma]

I would skip on the knee pads. People might get the wrong idea.

 

[kevinmccune]

I would skip on the knee pads. People might get the wrong idea.

no,no! only used to look under bed!

 

[PCeBiker]

I would skip on the knee pads. People might get the wrong idea.

Well, I'm not going to ride without them now that I've got them, but I wonder how much good they'll be if I land hard on my knees ??


I'm thinking of upgrading to a better type of knee pads that looks more durable with a plastic outer shell ??, But they go on top of your pants and I don't want to look like Robocop.

They do have knee pads that you wear under your pants, but the don't have the crusty outer shell.

 

[PedalUma]

no,no! only used to look under bed!

What would I need to pay you to walk around downtown and the bus station restroom with these?

 

[PedalUma]

I will bet that @Gionnirocket will do it,
in exchange for a new bike.

He would also need to walk between all the trucks at an interstate truck stop. And drink beer at the counter so he has to go pee and visit the truck stop restroom lockers and showers often.

 

[PCeBiker]

I decided to buy a pair of these,..
They've got shin pads and calf protection too.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNtIbGp

I've got loose fit pants, and I'm worried that the knee pads in the pants won't stay on top of my knee if I crash?
I had a hard time getting them in the right spot and they would move up and down if I'm sitting then standing.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I decided to buy a pair of these,..
They've got shin pads and calf protection too.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNtIbGp

I've got loose fit pants, and I'm worried that the knee pads in the pants won't stay on top of my knee if I crash?
I had a hard time getting them in the right spot and they would move up and down if I'm sitting then standing.

Funny thing is this past Saturday I blew my knee out pretty good just crossing the street. I stepped a little awkward, heard a pop and then a few bone clicks... then excruciating pain and was hobbled pretty good. And this was on my way to have a screw drilled into my jaw for a tooth implant which ended up being far less painful.
Today I was finally feeling better so I threw a brace on and went for a 20 mile ride. Used more assistance than normal but the cycling motion actually felt good.
So I've learned that an ebike can be good physical therapy and having a throttle adds a layer of reassurance if things don't go well.

I learned to do this. It is my most recent review on google maps. She is 71 and will ride coast to coast.

patrice mcdonald
1 review · 1 photo

a day ago
New

I came to Pedaluma eBikes in search of the right e-bike for a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country bike camping tour. After spotting Rick (“the bike guy”) on a forum and reaching out with a few questions, I quickly realized I had found the right expert. Rick immediately welcomed my questions, and what began as a casual DM turned into a detailed exchange of emails and calls about my riding history, needs, and plans. As a taller female cyclist planning to ride over 3,500 miles on mixed terrain with a 25 lb kit, my requirements were anything but straightforward. We soon agreed that no stock bike would perfectly fit my situation. Rick stepped in with deep knowledge, patience, and creativity, ultimately guiding me toward a custom build. From start to finish, the process was remarkably efficient—less than 60 days from our first conversation to bike delivery, even though the frame had to be sourced from the UK. Considering I live more than 1,100 miles from Petaluma, the fact that we managed this entirely via email and phone is a testament to Rick’s professionalism and responsiveness. The result? A truly exceptional bike. Sleek, powerful, quiet, and beautifully built, it’s everything I could have hoped for and more. I’ve already taken it on a bike camping trip, and it performed flawlessly. As Rick predicted, I had zero range anxiety on a 75-mile ride with a full pack, and the Colorado Front Range headwinds never got the better of me. Pedaluma eBikes delivered not just a bike, but a partner for my adventures ahead. I am grateful to Rick for his expertise, dedication, and care, and I am confident this steel steed will carry me through many miles of exploration. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and passionate e-bike builder.


View attachment 199938

Glad your geriatrics builds are getting such good reviews... Ever consider an AARP affiliation?

As for the knee pads.... These wet dreams of yours will only get you arrested..... Again.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

Here is a short video that shows some build secrets on how to make extra wires vanish. And here is what the other side of that bike looks like.

View attachment 199941

This is cool! You really went the extra mile to explain to the customer what is what and how to access the wires. That is a really great personal touch that I’m sure your customers like very much.

Keep doing good things!

 

[Tom@WashDC]

I always wear my helmet with a mirror attached to it and goggles, as well as gloves, boots, a jean jacket, and work pants.

But, it wasn't until I saw your post that I decided to buy elbow and knee pads.

I've got double knee work pants and the pads fit into the pants, and the elbow pads fit nicely inside my jean jacket without binding.

I was worried that they wouldn't be comfortable, or be too hot to wear when the humidex is almost 40°C, but they're fine.

I haven't "used" them yet, so I can't comment on their crash resistance, but I feel better protected.

My elbow pads have saved me several times. I would have shattered by elbow for shure without them.

 

[PCeBiker]

Here is a short video that shows some build secrets on how to make extra wires vanish.

I like how you simply "merge the green wire".

That part ain't easy, no matter how you merge them together.

I always solder the wires and would offset each solder joint so the cable isn't an inch thick at the merging point.
Butt connectors are even fatter.

 

[PedalUma]

ended up being far less painful

I was riding on Sunday and a black hornet flew at full speed at my face. I didn't have half-a-second to react. It hit my teeth and stung inside my left lower lip. It swelled like a Hollywood collagen injection disaster. They feel in the mouth fuzzier than they look. It still hurts. I just hope it didn't lay eggs, like in a caterpillar or I would be effed.

 

[PCeBiker]

My elbow pads have saved me several times. I would have shattered by elbow for shure without them.

I'm glad I ordered the new knee pads.
I feel more confident that they will stay put if I ever actually do "use" them.

 

[PCeBiker]

I was riding on Sunday and a black hornet flew at full speed at my face.

I got stung in my upper lip about ten years ago, after a Yellow Jacket flew into my mug.
People have suffocated and died when they swallow a wasp and it stings them inside the throat. (It crawled inside a bottle of Coke)

I did have a butterfly fly in my mouth this year, but they just taste bad. They're kinda powder coated too.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I was riding on Sunday and a black hornet flew at full speed at my face. I didn't have half-a-second to react. It hit my teeth and stung inside my left lower lip. It swelled like a Hollywood collagen injection disaster. They feel in the mouth fuzzier than they look. It still hurts. I just hope it didn't lay eggs, like in a caterpillar or I would be effed.

View attachment 199952

Great. As if cars and pedestrians weren't enough to worry about!

So sorry that happened to your lip. But think how it must've been for the poor wasp. You're flying along, wondering what to parasitize next, and out of the blue, this guy flies up and tries to eat you. Heck yeah, you're gonna sting the hell out of him!

Wonder how many lawsuits there've been over lip jobs gone horribly wrong? Maybe one of those lawyers would go after the wasp for you.
;^}