UPDATE 3: How I Made It To This Point
I’ve received private questions regarding this build so I’ll share some history.
I began thinking about a new bike 18 months ago (saving my nickels, dimes, and $20’s) after in 2017 purchasing an inexpensive 500w fat tire electric beach cruiser, my first bike in 35 years. When riding, I’d make note of the things I loved and HATED about the bike.
My top priorities were a similar frame geometry but I required a healthy increase in range, comfort, and cost to operate / down-time on a future bike. Not to mention easy cleaning!!!! One interesting thing that struck me was how strongly I felt about the battery placement and that its location should be behind the seat tube. I love this setup on my current bike.
Once I decided to spend over $5000 on a bike, it was clear to me, I had to do a custom build to get the bike just the way I wanted and there are still things I can’t have exactly like I hoped. The research began and felt endless to get to this point in the process. The Build Diary was an idea I had so when the build was over and I’d rode for some time I could go back review this thread to get a sense where my mind was along the journey. Not to mention, all the live eyes to help guide me.
Specific answers to questions I received.
“- did you look at pre-built / commercially available bikes?”
- Yes, but I didn’t find what I wanted. The R&M is a beautiful bike but I’m not a Bosch motor fan and I wanted an IGH.
“- 4" tires for snow conditions?”
- I’ve used both 26x4 Kenda Juggernaut Pro and N45 Husker-Du. I think I’d prefer a 26x4.5 tire but just a guess. I really like the Kenda but their life span is not the best. They do okay in fresh snow (not great) and perform well on packed snow trails. I really like them in slush and ice. They struggle in thick mud.
- The N45 had too much float – I felt like my bike would slide out from under me. They were fine on asphalt but terrible on any wet conditions and forget ice.
More to Follow.
Michael