Electric Biker by Accident (well almost)

[rudym]

Hi Everyone,

I have ridden to work on a bicycle for over 35 years. 10 years ago a distracted and drunk driver nailed me from the rear at 50 MPH. A year later I was back on my bike, but slowly as cell phones and social media use increased my fear factor increased also. In Mobile, Al. there is very little planning or accommodations for cyclists. 2 years ago things got so scary on the road I stopped riding my bicycle to work. Didn't take long to get FAT. Then one day a neighbor told me about his E-bikes - he had 3 !!! A full suspension TREK, a Hard Tail TREK, and the TREK Super Commuter 8S. He never rides on the road so I bought the Super Commuter 8S

from him at a great savings. Only 60 miles on it then but two weeks later I am already up to 370 miles - guess I missed riding a bike :} I am very impressed with this website and the knowledge base - I didn't even know there were laws governing electric bikes 4 weeks ago. Looking forward to gaining more knowledge and zipping along with the rest of you.

 

[Ann M.]

@rudym, Welcome to our EBR community! Great to hear that you're back out riding again (electric ). It's rough when you get smacked by a car; been there myself and remember the anxiety of getting back on the road but glad that you've done that.
We'd all love to hear more about where you ride and of course, keep those pics coming!

BTW, your supersized Ortleib saddlebags are great; looks like you could do some serious errands or shopping with those.

 

[rudym]

@rudym, Welcome to our EBR community! Great to hear that you're back out riding again (electric ). It's rough when you get smacked by a car; been there myself and remember the anxiety of getting back on the road but glad that you've done that.
We'd all love to hear more about where you ride and of course, keep those pics coming!

BTW, your supersized Ortleib saddlebags are great; looks like you could do some serious errands or shopping with those.

I would prefer some smaller saddlebags - maybe half the size of these "ebay" grabs - just not sure what I want yet, or if I should just ride with one bag. Time will tell - suggestions anyone?

 

[J.R.]

@rudym great anecdote! Welcome to the forum. Nice bike.

 

[bob armani]

Hi Everyone,

I have ridden to work on a bicycle for over 35 years. 10 years ago a distracted and drunk driver nailed me from the rear at 50 MPH. A year later I was back on my bike, but slowly as cell phones and social media use increased my fear factor increased also. In Mobile, Al. there is very little planning or accommodations for cyclists. 2 years ago things got so scary on the road I stopped riding my bicycle to work. Didn't take long to get FAT. Then one day a neighbor told me about his E-bikes - he had 3 !!! A full suspension TREK, a Hard Tail TREK, and the TREK Super Commuter 8S. He never rides on the road so I bought the Super Commuter 8SView attachment 23061from him at a great savings. Only 60 miles on it then but two weeks later I am already up to 370 miles - guess I missed riding a bike :} I am very impressed with this website and the knowledge base - I didn't even know there were laws governing electric bikes 4 weeks ago. Looking forward to gaining more knowledge and zipping along with the rest of you.

Nice bike rudym! Glad to see you are back on the road with an awesome bike like the Trek SC8+. This bike rides like an E-bike should. Trek did an outstanding job with design and build quality IMO. Enjoy and ride safe!

 

[john peck]

Hi Everyone,

I have ridden to work on a bicycle for over 35 years. 10 years ago a distracted and drunk driver nailed me from the rear at 50 MPH.

Know the feeling; I got nailed by a gal late for work putting on makeup at 50,(no insurance) What doesn't kill ya may make you
stronger, but it's goddam inconvenient. Glad you're riding again..as am I.

 

[Bruce Arnold]

Nice bike, and tricked out really well!

I thought about panniers, but (A) wanted something with me at all times and (B) didn't want something in the way all the time. So I went with the Wald folding baskets. My wife liked them so much I had to get her a set too. Mine are black to go with my CrossCurrent S. Hers are white to match her Pedego City Commuter. They can hold a full paper grocery sack each, no problem; more, with bungees across the tops. We carry these canvas totes when we go shopping. They fit perfectly, and we know that when they're full, we're done shopping! It's a great system.

 

[john peck]

Nice bike, and tricked out really well!

I thought about panniers, but (A) wanted something with me at all times and (B) didn't want something in the way all the time. So I went with the Wald folding baskets.

The CCS is my daily driver & grocery getter; I have 2 sets of panniers, both waterproof, ( a necessity here in the rain forest). I leave the
smaller set on all the time as I do most all errands on the bike. They're no problem at all . The larger one are mainly for travel. I have
a large assortment of bike bags, all interchangeable from one bike to another & each with a special purpose.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Great, great bike! That and the R&M Nevo are my two favorites. I was at the Trek shop yesterday getting my xm700 tweaked a bit and they had the same bike as yours there, new and ready to go. I could feel my credit card trying to leap out of my wallet and into my hand! Fortunately I very much like my current bike, but the SC is the dream setup. Congrats!

 

[Gator]

Hello and Welcome
Very Nice Ride? I really like the tire size on the Super Commuter. Thinking about upgrading my new Ebike with those treads. It's great to hear from another fellow commuter. I have three days in riding to work.

 

[rudym]

Hello and Welcome
Very Nice Ride? I really like the tire size on the Super Commuter. Thinking about upgrading my new Ebike with those treads. It's great to hear from another fellow commuter. I have three days in riding to work.

My ride to work used to take 29 minutes - now 17 minutes
My ride home used to take 49 minutes - now 27 minutes
That's a 34 minutes time savings everyday! - however I enjoy riding the bike so much I just keep rolling.

 

[bob armani]

My ride to work used to take 29 minutes - now 17 minutes
My ride home used to take 49 minutes - now 27 minutes
That's a 34 minutes time savings everyday! - however I enjoy riding the bike so much I just keep rolling.

Not to mention the health benefits and the big smile on your face when you pass the grid lock during your commutes. I sincerely believe the bike will pay for itself 10 fold in the long run by time saved and the overall joyous riding experience.