What have you learned from your e-bike experiences?
- Thread starter MrClortho
- Start date
PedalUma
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
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.
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
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.
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.
PCeBiker
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
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.
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kevinmccune
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
no,no! only used to look under bed!
PCeBiker
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
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.
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PedalUma
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
What would I need to pay you to walk around downtown and the bus station restroom with these?
PedalUma
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
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.
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
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
I decided to buy a pair of these,..
They've got shin pads and calf protection too.
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.
They've got shin pads and calf protection too.
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.
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Gionnirocket
Well-Known Unidentified Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Y. O.
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.
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Other
- City
- over here
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Loudoun County, VA.
My elbow pads have saved me several times. I would have shattered by elbow for shure without them.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.
PCeBiker
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
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
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Petaluma, CA
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
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
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
No-Hands No-Pedaling No-Credentials
- Region
- Canada
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.
Last edited:
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
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.
;^}
Last edited:
Gionnirocket
Well-Known Unidentified Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Y. O.
Yeah but now with those knee pads... You can charge a premium!
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