Best bike for 33 mile commute

[Deleted member 803]

Absolutely. I used to own a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and always desperately wanted a Zero. I sold the Kawasaki a few years ago when I got sick of moving it every week for street cleaning and always finding a new feature (hmm, looks like the mirror got stolen last night, etc.) each time I went to move it.

Right now I ride a traditional bike 2.5 miles to the train station each morning and then commute via the train's bike car. With the electric bike it opens up the idea that I can reasonably commute some mornings all the way to the office with only 30 minutes additional time added while significantly improving my morning workout with a 32 mile bike ride. Thankfully commuting by train doesn't change so if I don't want to ride back then I can just throw the bike on the train and commute like I have been. The way I see it, it's the best of both worlds!

I'm a retired motorcyclist and have a good friend who is the SVP of Operations for Zero in Scotts Valley. They give tours and customer rides on Fridays. Give em a holler and go for a ride.

 

[jasonford1]

I'm a retired motorcyclist and have a good friend who is the SVP of Operations for Zero in Scotts Valley. They give tours and customer rides on Fridays. Give em a holler and go for a ride.

No kidding! That sounds like a great way to spend a Friday afternoon.

 

[Nirmala]

It also is a ways into the future, but I pre-ordered a ShareRoller, hopefully to be delivered in May:
http://igg.me/at/shareroller/x/12713097

It may seem silly, but my idea is to put that on the front wheel of my Magnum Ui5 which already has a 350 watt rear hub. The hub motor does bog down very occasionally on the bigger hills here in northern Arizona, so I will have an extra boost to power up the hills. And since hills really eat into the range, using it on all of the hills I ride should also boost my range a little, on top of or instead of bringing a second battery. The smallest one only weighs about 5 pounds, so I am sure that the added power will more than make up for the added weight.

It will be fun to try anyways and I can always gift it to someone else as it can be installed on almost any bike.

 

[jasonford1]

It also is a ways into the future, but I pre-ordered a ShareRoller, hopefully to be delivered in May:
http://igg.me/at/shareroller/x/12713097
http://igg.me/at/shareroller/x/12713097
It may seem silly, but my idea is to put that on the front wheel of my Magnum Ui5 which already has a 350 watt rear hub. The hub motor does bog down very occasionally on the bigger hills here in northern Arizona, so I will have an extra boost to power up the hills. And since hills really eat into the range, using it on all of the hills I ride should also boost my range a little, on top of or instead of bringing a second battery. The smallest one only weighs about 5 pounds, so I am sure that the added power will more than make up for the added weight.

It will be fun to try anyways and I can always gift it to someone else as it can be installed on almost any bike.

I like the experiment. You'll have a turbo button on your bike whenever you want it!

 

[Nirmala]

I like the experiment. You'll have a turbo button on your bike whenever you want it!

One of the less than ideal things about the Ui5 is that the throttle only works up to the level of assist you have selected. So this second throttle button will be especially handy. I will have the option of just leaving the main assist in a lower setting and then using the ShareRoller to power up hills or pass a slower bike.

I will also be curious what you observe if you do end up using a fairing, even though I do not tend to ride often at speeds above 20 mph, except of course on the downhills, so a fairing would not likely be worthwhile. I also am not commuting, but just joy-riding so I do not really need to maximize my speed. However, it is partly the speed of my new ebike that makes it so much fun I will be especially curious if you can make any observations of how a fairing performs at around 20 mph versus at 28 mph.

Are you considering one of these:


Or will you go whole hog with one of these:


I did read one report online where a couple removed the fairing from their tandem because the pilot found that he was getting too warm behind the fairing without as much wind cooling him down. But in the Bay Area, that might not be as much of a drawback as here in Arizona. In either place, a fairing could be a big plus in cold and or rain.

 

[MLB]

All great comments. I test drove the Focus Aventura Speed and found that the mid-drive system relied much more on my effort than the ST2 did to hit and maintain 28mph. With the Focus Aventura Speed I averaged around 24mph and with the ST2 I averaged around 27mph on key straightaways that I measured. Qualitatively I will also say that I was much less sweaty when I got to the office with the ST2 than I was with the Focus.

Is there a term or measurement that can describe the difference between the pedal assist provided by the ST2 vs the Focus Aventura Speed? Having tested the two I felt like the ST2 was an electric mode of transportation with a dash of bicycle while the Focus was a bicycle with an electric assist to take the edge off. Not sure how else to describe it other than to say it was much easier to hit and maintain 28mph with the ST2. @Nirmala , this is why I've been leaning towards the ST2 vs doing the double battery methodology you suggested with a less expensive bike.

Thanks for the bicycle fairing idea! I love it although it pains me to think of adding any more weight to an ST2!

I had a ST1 Platinum and when I purchased it, it felt as you describe. Turning the assist from level "70" out of 100 back to "30 or 40" (can't remember which, bike sold now) made it MUCH more bike like. It's very adjustable performance wise via software settings easily accessible. When the boost comes on, how hard, etc
That said, even turned down it was not as "bike like" as my Haibike with mid drive.

 

[JoePah]

The real downside of any Stromer is the weight.. Over 62 lbs.. Not very bike like at all... There's plenty to choose from at 50 lbs or less.

 

[MLB]

The real downside of any Stromer is the weight.. Over 62 lbs.. Not very bike like at all... There's plenty to choose from at 50 lbs or less.

Once moving you feel NO difference between 62lbs and 50lbs. Only time it's heavy is moving it around the garage.
And its VERY clear where the extra weight is, too great effect. Full lighting, metal fenders, heavy (duty) tires, bomb proof rims and spokes, larger battery, etc
Those bikes are made to commute and still be there 5 years from now.
Most won't.
Most vehicles that are more solidly build weigh more than those that aren't.

 

[jasonford1]

The real downside of any Stromer is the weight.. Over 62 lbs.. Not very bike like at all... There's plenty to choose from at 50 lbs or less.

One of the tests I ran when I had the loaner ST2 last weekend was lugging it up my apartment stairs. You can bet I felt every one of those 62lbs! Sadly my building was made before ADA regulations so there isn't a ramp into the building. I don't mind the exercise, but I'll need to make sure I switch the arm that carries the load otherwise I'll end up with some odd asymmetric muscles!

@MLB I was impressed by how little I felt the weight of 62lbs when the bike was in motion. Even when I cut out the electric assist and rode it like a traditional bike it still wasn't bad. I totally agree that it feels like a solid piece of equipment that will last.

 

[jasonford1]

One of the less than ideal things about the Ui5 is that the throttle only works up to the level of assist you have selected. So this second throttle button will be especially handy. I will have the option of just leaving the main assist in a lower setting and then using the ShareRoller to power up hills or pass a slower bike.

I will also be curious what you observe if you do end up using a fairing, even though I do not tend to ride often at speeds above 20 mph, except of course on the downhills, so a fairing would not likely be worthwhile. I also am not commuting, but just joy-riding so I do not really need to maximize my speed. However, it is partly the speed of my new ebike that makes it so much fun I will be especially curious if you can make any observations of how a fairing performs at around 20 mph versus at 28 mph.

Are you considering one of these:
View attachment 4770

Or will you go whole hog with one of these:
View attachment 4771

I did read one report online where a couple removed the fairing from their tandem because the pilot found that he was getting too warm behind the fairing without as much wind cooling him down. But in the Bay Area, that might not be as much of a drawback as here in Arizona. In either place, a fairing could be a big plus in cold and or rain.

I haven't researched yet. One of the constraints I'll have to solve for is how to store the faring so that I can still commute on the train with the bike. My thinking is that on days I ride down to the office I may still take the train home on the bike car so the faring will need to be able to pop off and not take up too much space.

Also, totally agree speed is one of the reasons to love an ebike. When I first hit 28mph this past weekend I had a huge grin on my face. I knew I'd stumbled into a toy I could fall in love with. Granted 28mph is nothing in the grand scheme of things it feels all the more gratifying on a bike for some reason.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

That's fantastic! The two of them have been incredibly generous with their time over the last few days as I've bombarded them with questions. Tell me more about this 5,000 mile Guinness Record. Will you be passing through the Bay Area? Do you plan to have a three or four backup batteries being charged in a trailing car?

Thanks, Jason.
I will certainly visit the bay area. I have been mum about the details because I was supposed to do it this year but I completely underestimated the amount of training and planning it takes to pull off something like that. Learnt my lesson. Now piecing together all the other parts so it can happen next year.

The goal is to inspire many more people to consider EBikes for commute. E-bikes are hidden gems in this country (thanks to auto lobbying, you never E-bikes in many parts of the U.S)
Right now, the Guinness record sits at 4400 miles. I am hoping to push it to 5K in 30 day trip. There are many others who are doing much longer distance but their time span is also much longer. So far, no one has demonstrated it on a pure PAS bike. The previous record holder used a powerful 1.5Kw motor with pure throttle and used it all the way.

A pure pedal assist bike, 5000 miles in 30 days shows the prowess of Ebikes as true transport alternatives. I don't think any other turn-key bike [sold legally], as of now, will rival ST2 when it comes to range.

 

[jasonford1]

Thanks, Jason.
I will certainly visit the bay area. I have been mum about the details because I was supposed to do it this year but I completely underestimated the amount of training and planning it takes to pull off something like that. Learnt my lesson. Now piecing together all the other parts so it can happen next year.

The goal is to inspire many more people to consider EBikes for commute. E-bikes are hidden gems in this country (thanks to auto lobbying, you never E-bikes in many parts of the U.S)
Right now, the Guinness record sits at 4400 miles. I am hoping to push it to 5K in 30 day trip. There are many others who are doing much longer distance but they time span is also much longer. So far, no one has demonstrated it on a pure PAS bike. The previous record holder used a powerful 1.5Kw motor with pure throttle and used it all the way.

A pure pedal assist bike, 5000 miles in 30 days shows the prowess of Ebikes as true transport alternatives. I don't think any other turn-key bike [sold legally], as of now, will rival ST2 when it comes to range.

PM me when you get the details straightened out and I'll cheer you on when you're in the area.

 

[Nirmala]

I haven't researched yet. One of the constraints I'll have to solve for is how to store the faring so that I can still commute on the train with the bike. My thinking is that on days I ride down to the office I may still take the train home on the bike car so the faring will need to be able to pop off and not take up too much space.

Also, totally agree speed is one of the reasons to love an ebike. When I first hit 28mph this past weekend I had a huge grin on my face. I knew I'd stumbled into a toy I could fall in love with. Granted 28mph is nothing in the grand scheme of things it feels all the more gratifying on a bike for some reason.

I invited a friend over who is a very young 80 years old, and he has owned and ridden just about everything with two wheels except for an ebike. He currently owns an 800 pound Harley. After he and I went for a 25 mile ride on our two Magnum Ui5s, he said that was the most fun he has ever had on two wheels! He is now shopping for an ebike

 

[JoePah]

@Ravi Kempaiah that is some goal, 5000 miles in a month... Assuming you take a day or half day off a week, that's around 190 miles a day, or 10 hours riding a day for a month. Wish you well in your quest...

Recently did a 60 mile ride took around 4 hours...And i've only ridden 20 miles in the two days after that... Not tired just not enthused about another long trip.

You're right it takes a lot of training to handle that kind of riding every day. Pretty sure I couldn't handle that kind of riding time for a month...

Will you have a chase vehicle?

 

[Bike_On]

Thanks, Jason.
I will certainly visit the bay area. I have been mum about the details because I was supposed to do it this year but I completely underestimated the amount of training and planning it takes to pull off something like that. Learnt my lesson. Now piecing together all the other parts so it can happen next year.

The goal is to inspire many more people to consider EBikes for commute. E-bikes are hidden gems in this country (thanks to auto lobbying, you never E-bikes in many parts of the U.S)
Right now, the Guinness record sits at 4400 miles. I am hoping to push it to 5K in 30 day trip. There are many others who are doing much longer distance but their time span is also much longer. So far, no one has demonstrated it on a pure PAS bike. The previous record holder used a powerful 1.5Kw motor with pure throttle and used it all the way.

A pure pedal assist bike, 5000 miles in 30 days shows the prowess of Ebikes as true transport alternatives. I don't think any other turn-key bike [sold legally], as of now, will rival ST2 when it comes to range.

Ravi,

That is very ambitious! Remember, Troy Rank at 4400 had zero help, ie trailer car and had carry all his gear, tools, etc or get help at LBS'. I really admire his accomplishment in 30 days and wish you the best in overcomingit!
DR

 

[MLB]

All great comments. I test drove the Focus Aventura Speed and found that the mid-drive system relied much more on my effort than the ST2 did to hit and maintain 28mph. With the Focus Aventura Speed I averaged around 24mph and with the ST2 I averaged around 27mph on key straightaways that I measured. Qualitatively I will also say that I was much less sweaty when I got to the office with the ST2 than I was with the Focus.

Is there a term or measurement that can describe the difference between the pedal assist provided by the ST2 vs the Focus Aventura Speed? Having tested the two I felt like the ST2 was an electric mode of transportation with a dash of bicycle while the Focus was a bicycle with an electric assist to take the edge off. Not sure how else to describe it other than to say it was much easier to hit and maintain 28mph with the ST2. @Nirmala , this is why I've been leaning towards the ST2 vs doing the double battery methodology you suggested with a less expensive bike.

Thanks for the bicycle fairing idea! I love it although it pains me to think of adding any more weight to an ST2!

All the decent hub motor are user adjustable via software settings. How much of the available power, when it comes on, how hard it comes on, how it sustains, etc etc you can set!
The ST1 I had (since sold) came set at power level setting 70 (0-100) and was very powerful and as you say. I kept playing with it and at setting 30 it was MUCH more bike like and only assisted when I worked harder. Much more like a mid drive.
But again, all completely adjustable!..................
None of the mid drives I've seen are adjustable in the same way.

+1 on a Fairing making a HUGE difference at those speeds. (talking battery range)

 

[Bike_On]

I am optimizing for sustained speed of 28mph (class 3 bike) over a distance of 33 miles (San Francisco to Palo Alto, California). The Stromer ST2 looks to be my best bet. I test drove one over the weekend and it barely crossed the hurdle with less than 5% charge when I arrived at the office. Are there any other bikes that you think are up to the challenge that I should be considering?

PS. I've been lurking for the last two weeks reading all your comments to other posts which is what guided me thus far to the ST2. This is a great community!

Jason,

I appreciate your desire for a high speed, long range commute. That was my desire and success when I started in 2007-08 on a 22 mile commute. I wanted 28mph, but the best I got was 24-25mph ave. on an Optibike 850 (now an R8). I upgraded to an 1100R and got a couple rides at 30mph ave for 22 miles. That pace and effort was unsustainable because it was max effort , all the time in optimum weather.

But it is a blast to crush the miles, get exercise and start a hobby. From what I have read on several forums, a simple rear hub rated for 1000-1200W and a big battery, will allow you the control and power variance to complete a high speed commute.

Best-
Bike On