Recent content by MechaNut

According to NYS e-bike law, Class 1 (PAS only) and Class 2 (PAS+Throttle) are capped at 20mph and Class 3 is 25 mph. Analog bikes can easily exceed 20mph on flat ground if you have the fitness to use the large chainring. The fastest I've had my e-bikes is 32 mph, but that was 100% gravity...

I prefer Schrader valves. In my experience I've had multiple tube failures with Presta valves. In every case the valve has failed at the seal between the valve and the tube. A crack would develop and, poof, instant flat and tube replacement. I have not had Schrader valve tube fail on me in that...

Generally speaking the listed weight limit is what the wheel build (spoke pattern, rim, spoke thickness, and spoke count) is designed to handle. The frames and motors can handle significantly higher weight loads. The thing an "industrial sized individual" will need to monitor is whether the...

As far as apples go, I'm a big fan of the local variety of apple which is called the Empire (New York State is called The Empire State). Today was an absolutely gorgeous day so a good friend and I went for a ride on the Erie Canal. This picture was taken at our mid ride stop for drinks and a...

Using a torque wrench is critical for carbon fiber frames and parts (like handlebars) because you can crack the carbon fiber frame/parts from over-tightening bolts. It is a good idea on other frame types just to make sure everything is within factory spec, but you can do without for alloy and...

Not at all. Last time I switched them it took a very leisurely hour or so. It was a "two beer job". ;) The "secret" is learning that the shape of the rim has a purpose. The shallower bit in the center of the rim is there for you to use to mount and dismount tires. You push the bead away from...

Re: Fat Bike tire "rumble" It is all down to tire choice. When I want people to hear me coming I ride the knobbies. When I want a quiet, fast, and efficient ride I run my street tires. I usually run the street tires.

From a "darnit I have to fix this flat by the side of the road" perspective there is one thing I would recommend changing on the bike. There will be zip ties that hold the power cable for the rear hub motor to the frame. One of the zip ties is between the power connector and the hub motor and...

Honestly with the pedal assistance on an e-bike, unless you live in an area with lots of hills, a single speed is plenty. The only time I bother shifting my e-bikes is to go over a hill. Single speed e-bikes are perfect urban commuters for most cities I'd imagine.

I purchased a Ripcurrent S two years ago. Outside of oiling the chain and putting air in the tires I've had zero maintenance issues with the bike thus far. When you submit a help ticket to Juiced Bikes you will receive an e-mail notification giving you an approximate wait time for a response...

Today I took my commuter bike, 2019 Evelo Aurora Limited, out for 23 miles on the Erie Canal. Around mile 18 my tendinitis flared and the throttle got me back to my car. What would have been abject misery on an acoustic bike stayed fun on my e-bike. A dirty bike is a happy bike. ;) From what...

Most of my bike miles have been done while commuting. I have a job that allows me to work from home during this pandemic, so I haven't been doing any commuting. This means I've been sneaking in rides when I can. The nice thing about having a bike with a full set of lights is being able to sneak...

The COVID-19 lockdown delayed canal maintenance and repairs by 2-3 months. The canal won't be fully filled and operational until some time in August. http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/Project_List_for_2020_Reopening.html

Tire pressure. Experiment with running lower tire pressures. I'll use my Kenda Juggernauts as an example. The listed pressure range on my tire is 5-30 psi. If I run the tire at 30 psi I feel everything. I feel every crack in the pavement. I feel every single pebble I run over. I feel the "buzz"...

Almost all my riding is on paved surfaces. I have two sets of tires. The set that came with the bike are the ubiquitous Kenda Juggernauts which are currently on the bike because I can run them at low pressures (18-20 psi) for a really cushy ride. You don't even feel the vibrations from the...