My Blix Vika+ Fully Loaded
- Thread starter GadgetJim
- Start date
Jim,
Very curious why you choose this particular style and make of bicycle?
The pannier is less important to my needs, I am trying get a handle on why certain bikes are purchase when there are what seems like a hundred bikes on the market. Yours looks like the kinda bike I would buy is why I am asking.
Norwin
Very curious why you choose this particular style and make of bicycle?
The pannier is less important to my needs, I am trying get a handle on why certain bikes are purchase when there are what seems like a hundred bikes on the market. Yours looks like the kinda bike I would buy is why I am asking.
Norwin
GadgetJim
Member
Long story .... I have another Ebike .... went back to the private shop in Oregon for more customization ... I do not drive, gave up driving many years ago, got a Surly Long Haul Trucker Touring Bicycle in 2008, but around 1-1/2 years ago, started having serious problems with my knees, and could not pedal a regular bicycle anymore. So, I started riding Uber and Lyft to work, which got to be much too expensive.
Summer, 2018, I got a Yuba Sweet Curry Cargo Bicycle, and had it customized with an electric motor, and lots of other features ..... Had an accident, sent back to the shop in Oregon for more customization … Not sure when it will be ready …
August, 2018, My son took me to our local bicycle shop, Fun Sports in Modesto, California. He test rode the Blix Vika+ and liked it. He told me I should get it, but I didn't have enough money. The sales person told me to see if I qualify for the Trek Card. Surprisingly, I did qualify, with 12-months no interest, no down payment.
So, I rode out of the bicycle shop with the Blix Vika+ .... Been riding since August, 2018, only problem so far, two flats. I had the bicycle shop upgrade the rear tire with a Schwalbe Marathon Plus, and also Rhinodillos both front and rear. No more flats.
I need to carry lots of stuff for work, and hanging out ….. Like now I'm hangin' at Starbucks with my huge 17" laptop, and chessboard (playing chess with a friend back East) ….
I have been riding bicycles since I was four years old, so almost 58 years now cycling …. I have enjoyed cycling for many years. I really like the Blix Vika+ …. I use the Pedal Assist every trip, and actually get some good aerobic exercise (lower impact than a regular bicycle).
The bicycle shop only had one folding ebike, the Blix Vika+, so I really had no choice, but I'm impressed with the Blix Vika+ … It must be very well built, as I have hit many pot-holes and lots of cracks (some just as bad a potholes) … Also carrying lots of weight. The Blix Vika+ is rated to carry only 220 pounds. My son, who test rode it first, weighed 315 pounds, and it rode just fine. He has rode my Blix Vika+ around town many times with no problems. I weigh around 222 pounds, with my backpack that weighs an additional 25 pounds, and lots of extra stuff, as you can see .... probably a total of 270 pounds everyday, with no problems.
The spokes must be heavy-duty, because there are no lose or bent spokes, which really surprises me !!! I have hit so many bumps … Roads and sidewalks in our area are brutal … !!!
I did upgrade the seat with a nice Gel Seat, much more comfortable for me. I'm a gadget person, so I like to have lots of gadgets, which are practical .... Like the bell and horn to warn people I'm coming up behind them …. Lots of lights, so I can be seen … Well supplied First Aid Kit … Extra food (I have Hypoglycemia really, really bad) … Plenty of water and juice … Tools … CO2 cartridge/kit … and more …..
GadgetJim
Member
Regarding the Bontrager Pannier …. That is the only large pannier the bike shop had in stock that would fit my bike. It seems to be good quality. I am somewhat concerned, however, with the zipper …. I would much rather prefer Ortlieb Panniers, which I have on my Yuba Sweet Curry Cargo Bicycle (two in front, two in rear), that have draw strings, and a rain proof cover that fits snug, with additional buckles. If the zipper fails, then the Bontrager Pannier is useless (cost me $80.00 US !!!). I might get a better pannier for my Blix later, but will see how long it lasts …..
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