Hello from Southern California!

[changl]

Hi Everyone,

I just bought a Schwinn Sycamore electric bike. I'm planning to use it for my daily commutes to work (32 miles roundtrip through city streets). I traditionally take the bike on the bus to work, then ride the second 16 miles home. I became interested in electric bikes when I discovered that by using pedal assist, I can skip the bus ride altogether and still arrive at work sweat-free. Furthermore, the motor can help me through competing headwinds on the way home.

Excited to join this forum as I already have lots of questions. For instance, the instruction manual that came with the bike didn't even explain how to change the rear tire (this being a rear-hub motor). Google searches led me to this site.

Chang

 

[indianajo]

Welcome to the site and low emissions commuting. I too find the bike is generally faster than the bus, especially since in my city the next bus is usually an hour or more away.
My rear hub takes a 18 mm wrench to get those big nuts off. 13/16" works, those are sometimes available at charity resale shops. I carry the wrench in my pannier bag. I carry the small tools in a kiddie pencil box to prevent rust, but the combo wrench won't fit. If there are torque arms those have to be unbolted. The cables have to be unplugged. Usually one disconnects the controller from the battery first. Also, one moves the display to a safe position before turning the bike upside down. Carry tiewraps in your repair kit, as one has to tie the cables back up again to keep them from snagging on moving parts.
Note that deep rims (often plastic) require long stem tubes to actually inflate them. I can only find these on the internet.
There are splice type tubes that eliminate the need to take the rear wheel off. I got mine at a local discount store, meijer's. I haven't used it yet.
I've gotten three useless air pumps from the LBS (local bike shop) and find the foot treadle pump from Schwinn @ Meijer's actually works - for a year. After that the hose breaks off. Heavy though. I've recently bought a lyzine pump, which seems to work but is slower.

 

[changl]

Indianajo,
Thanks for the tips! I did have to buy a 18mm offset wrench. Also, I've decided to go with velcro ties as I don't like zip ties. My rear wheel tire had 3, yes 3, flats in the first week. Had to install puncture resistant tubes. I think there must be a sharp edge on the rim. (Was just looking for nails in my tire while ignoring the fact that these cheap rims may have some sharp edges that were not correctly sanded down). Just praying that I don't get a flat on the road! Also, my bike computer doesn't come off. It's a Bafang DP C10. The owners manual and customer service said it just slides off, but nope, mine doesn't. I have to use an allen wrench to take the entire assembly off just so I can turn the bike upside down. Live and learn, I guess!
But all that work aside, I'm lovin' this ebike. 500 watt battery, 350 power motor. But if I had the money, I'd go all out and get a Trek with a mid motor....

 

[ebikemom]

Since you have such a long commute, the hub drive will serve you better as your bike will need much less maintenance.