Surgery recover/an ebike mainly for hill assist???

[Art Deco]

My interpretation was based on a number of concerns. Coby has “hip problems which led to a broken femur, seven surgeries, and now, a special, elongated hip replacement”. He is 74 years old. He may or may not need a throttle now, but given his recent health issues and his hip replacement, a throttle may well be in his near future as a way to avoid future issues. I’m not a big fan of throttles but if I were in his position, I certainly would seriously consider the option.
BTW, budget doesn’t appear to be a big concern and having a throttle doesn’t mean you have to use it until necessary.

Seriously if a throttle is available on on a bike you like, why not get one? Just be aware of legal restrictions.

 

[PDoz]

I'll put in a vote for mid drive pedal assist with no throttle if getting exercise without damaging joints is your priority.

You can adjust gears / level of assistance to achieve pretty much whatever speed / gradient / effort balance you want, but far more importantly a good quality mid drive is going to dramatically reduce the forces on your joints. It's hard to explain this without experiencing it, but imagine every time you push getting a little bit of help with the very first part of pushing, and them being able to adjust how much mire help you want. Consider the motors with rapid response - yamaha ( giant) and brose ( specialized) , although most of the " sport"/ higher end motors used in the mountain bike range of the big brands will have quick / sophisticated response profiles. Most of these bikes offer adjustable profiles, so for example you may end up running 10-20% of assistance on the flat sections just to reduce the strain on joints ( and still get exactly the same exercise as no assistance - just travel slightly faster)

Most of the throttle assist bikes I've ridden have less sophisticated torque sensors / power delivery profiles so they are not as effective at reducing the joint strain IMHO . That includes the bafang mid drive ( at least when compared to my yamaha pwx2) . Admittedly it's my feet / knees that are stuffed , which probably are more sensitive to loads that hips.

Now, bike choice - do you still have restriction to hip range of movement? An upright / step through bike might not be sexy but they make a LOT of sense for exercise. You get to work a lot harder against the wind, exercising not just your legs but your entire core - so it'll rebuild back strength etc. Plus you can look around and enjoy the views instead of bending over and punishing your neck.

We have so many traditions from the pre enhanced era, when " serious" cyclists felt it was necessary to cheat physics by contorting themselves into absurd shapes, dressing in slippery clown suits and tucking in behind each other . All to go fast whilst telling themselves they were exercising harder???

Finally, if other joints are starting to suffer - especially neck / back - have a really good long look at suspension.

 

[PedalUma]

He also has carpal tunnel. "I developed carpal tunnel issues from the dropped handlebars. In my opinion to work the brakes and with the other considerations he needs an upright riding position, mid-drive with an eight-speed Nexus with a coaster brake that is torque sensor but also allows for a plug in throttle at some future point.

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I convert coaster brake bikes for people with hand issues. They do not want to hunch or put pressure on their hands or pull on the levers. Plugging in the throttle drop performance to EU standards. But he does not need to go fast. The eight-speed is an option with this bike. I rode my coaster brake eBike today.

 

[EMGX]

This is a Sears 10 speed bike that I got when I was 13 years old. Back then they were made in Austria. It had been sitting in a shed for decades until I decided I wanted a 3 speed coaster brake bike so I removed the drop bars, shifters and 27" wheels. Replaced the wheels with 26", rear with a 3 speed coaster brake hub. I put a larger rear cog on the hub and since this picture replaced the chainring with a smaller one so it is geared very low in 1st gear but high enough for leisurely cruising in 3rd. I love the bike and thought of putting a Tongsheng mid drive in it but I don't think it would fit the bottom bracket. Someday, for nostalgia, I might put the original parts back on it, but that day might never come either.

 

[Coby Black]

Thanks! I guess that would be a ~22% hill? That is indeed pretty steep.

Thanks! I guess that would be a ~22% hill? That is indeed pretty steep.

Well, as you probably suspected, my "guess" on elevation was pretty far off. After exploring this afternoon, armed with an elevation app on my phone, I calculate the grades of six hills to range from 6% to 12%, with three of them above 10%. Walking up these, they feel plenty steep. I know they would on a bike!

 

[PedalUma]

This is a Sears 10 speed bike that I got when I was 13 years old. Back then they were made in Austria. It had been sitting in a shed for decades until I decided I wanted a 3 speed coaster brake bike so I removed the drop bars, shifters and 27" wheels. Replaced the wheels with 26", rear with a 3 speed coaster brake hub. I put a larger rear cog on the hub and since this picture replaced the chainring with a smaller one so it is geared very low in 1st gear but high enough for leisurely cruising in 3rd. I love the bike and thought of putting a Tongsheng mid drive in it but I don't think it would fit the bottom bracket. Someday, for nostalgia, I might put the original parts back on it, but that day might never come either.
View attachment 80458

It will fit. This is a standard 68mm BB shell. Great Bike!
In reconsideration the LCD-5 which can accept a throttle may only come in the six-wire version for coater bake bikes. Only eight-wire versions will operate a throttle. If someone is serious about it I would need to reach out to some friends in Hong Kong. The torque sensor is more than enough. It is like a throttle in the pedals for foot operation which is better for someone with hand issues.

 

[PedalUma]

Well, as you probably suspected, my "guess" on elevation was pretty far off. After exploring this afternoon, armed with an elevation app on my phone, I calculate the grades of six hills to range from 6% to 12%, with three of them above 10%. Walking up these, they feel plenty steep. I know they would on a bike!

I guy today took his newly converted cargo bike with 80lbs of dog food up a mountain. He loved it. Class 1.

 

[EMGX]

It will fit. This is a standard 68mm BB shell. Great Bike!
In reconsideration the LCD-5 which can accept a throttle may only come in the six-wire version for coater bake bikes. Only eight-wire versions will operate a throttle. If someone is serious about it I would need to reach out to some friends in Hong Kong. The torque sensor is more than enough. It is like a throttle in the pedals for foot operation which is better for someone with hand issues.

It has been a while since I measured the BB but it sticks in my mind that it was considerably smaller than 68mm, maybe I got that wrong. A throttle with the coaster brake version of the Tongsheng would force the pedals to rotate with throttle use, that might feel somewhat strange, sort of like a fixie bike when the throttle was active maybe?

If the TS fits on this bike's BB I might have to buy one.

edit:
You're right PedalUma, the BB is 63mm. I replaced the original 2x chainring/crank assembly with a cartridge assembly several years ago and should have remembered that it was a standard cartridge. I'm looking for a TS coaster brake version at a reasonable price. So far found recycles-ebike.com who I think is US based but has dropped shipped from China. Anyone have experience with them?

 

[steve mercier]

I’m 74 years old, recovering from hip surgery.

I have been an exercise “nut” all my life. In my 20’s and 30’s, I cycled actively for exercise. After I developed carpal tunnel issues from the dropped handlebars, I gradually changed to running for my main cardio exercise. I remained a runner/jogger/hiker until two years ago, when I developed hip problems which led to a broken femur, seven surgeries, and now, a special, elongated hip replacement.

Going forward, I am not allowed to run or jog, but I have been cleared for cycling. After two years of surgeries, and months on one leg, my recovery will be gradual; I am certainly out of shape now.

I have been working on a stationary bike for several months. As spring arrives, I want to start cycling and think an e-bike is a wise choice. However, my rides will be primarily on flat ground, and I want to provide the propulsion without assistance. Speed is not an issue; I won’t be in any hurry. However, any route I choose will encounter occasional serious hills, more than I’m sure I can handle, at least at first. I don’t want to dismount and walk the bike uphill. Here’s where the power assist of an e-bike comes in.

If this “hill assist” is the main desire from an e-bike, any comments on an appropriate type of bike to choose?

Thanks!

Maybe a step thru mid drive with a Bosch CX motor would suit you.

 

[Art Deco]

He also has carpal tunnel. "I developed carpal tunnel issues from the dropped handlebars. In my opinion to work the brakes and with the other considerations he needs an upright riding position, mid-drive with an eight-speed Nexus with a coaster brake that is torque sensor but also allows for a plug in throttle at some future point.

Premium Nostalgic Dutch Men's Bicycle - Amsterdam Bicycle Company

This premium nostalgic Dutch men's bicycle is the top of the line 'Opa fiets'! Vintage looks, quality materials. Feel like cruising the Amsterdam canals!

www.amsterdam-bicycle.com

I convert coaster brake bikes for people with hand issues. They do not want to hunch or put pressure on their hands or pull on the levers. Plugging in the throttle drop performance to EU standards. But he does not need to go fast. The eight-speed is an option with this bike. I rode my coaster brake eBike today.
View attachment 80456

Why not hydraulic brakes ? , you are describing putting weight on the saddle not handlebars, correct ?

 

[PedalUma]

Why not hydraulic brakes ? , you are describing putting weight on the saddle not handlebars, correct ?

Yes, Art Deco. The rider's weight would shift back to the saddle for a Dutch upright riding style.

 

[Art Deco]

So minimal pressure on wrists. Why a "coaster" foot control brake instead of a finger activated brake?

 

[PedalUma]

Some people with wrist and finger problems, pain and weakness like the security of using their feet instead of a brake lever to stop. It also works in wet conditions and is sealed from getting bumped or dirty unlike discs.
More from Big Dummy just now:
Hah, so funny - I was so fired up to send you a pic, that I did not send the detail! Rode great. I thought our bags of food were 40lbs each, but they are 26-ish, so about 52lbs. Still plenty for the first load test. One word - transformative. Two words - easy peasy.
Definitely taking off the bottle cage. In first gear, it was rubbing hard. But I did not need the lowest gear! Got up my hill comfortably in second gear.
Still three bars after everything, including forgetting to stop at the bottom of our hill at the market. So, went back down after the dog food unload to get my all-important olives for tonight's celebration martini. Hauled ass up the hill, unloaded.
Looking forward to more testing tomorrow. What was really noticeable with a heavy load was the initial “getting going” part. That is always a challenge. It was now easy to mount and get going.
More data to come!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 Low Step in the terms of ultimate ride comfort and hill climbing ability. The 600 Wh battery is a bonus allowing using tons of assistance when necessary.

 

[almikel]

I bought an e-bike, as the hills are getting steeper and my knees are getting creakier - but I didn't want a "throttle" bike, just pedal assist up hills.

I tried several pedal assist e-bikes, but they didn't have enough "assist" for me.

If you want an e-bike that has enough assist to get you up hills you need to look at e-bikes that have higher torque motors such as the Bosch CX, Shimano EP8, Yamaha PX2, etc
These motors are popular in mountain bikes, but have crossed over to loads of other bikes now.

I have the Yamaha PX2 motor in my Giant Revolt gravel bike - it's a drop bar bike, so wouldn't suit you, but the same motor is available in other Giant flat bar models.
I found numerous other models from Focus, Merida, Giant etc that have a high torque motor (such as the Bosch CX, Shimano EP8, Yamaha PX2, etc), but they had things I didn't want, such as front suspension - which you might be fine with.

I'm currently managing a knee problem - age/arthritis etc - standing/walking is hard work and painful...but cycling on the e-bike just rolling over the pedals in a higher boost mode than usual is much less stress on my sore knee on my commute than the walk at each end of a bus journey.

I've only owned my Giant Revolt for a month, and I'm continually gobsmacked at how easy it gets me up the steepest Brisbane hills (done when I don't have a sore knee).

For max "hill assist", choose an e-bike with a high torque motor, and boost modes that provide assist ~350% or more of your effort.

My Giant has the PX2 motor with 80nm of torque and in the highest assist mode has 360% assist.
On stupid steep Brisbane hills (31%) - without a sore knee - this took a bit of work to climb in max boost mode - but less than the effort to climb my home street (14%) on my acoustic!

I still avoid my home street (14%) on my daily commute - and just ride around it - the e-bike flies up my alternate route, even when nursing a dodgy knee.

One or other of my knees has flared up over the last little while, which meant I couldn't ride my acoustic for my commute.
The e-bike has enabled a low knee stress solution, way better than walk/bus/walk.

cheers
Mike

 

[FezUSA]

I would reach out to Evan (or some of the other fine folk) at Crazy Lenny's. They have the Yamaha Cross Core and Cross Connect that may be a good fit for you. I would also look at the BULLS Urban Evo 10 with the new Gen 4 Bosch motor (85Nm torque). This is a available in diamond or step-thru frames. If you desire a more upright position then the Twenty8 E45's might also be good options

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Bosch CX, Shimano EP8, Yamaha PX2,

... Specialized 1.3... (90 Nm, 550 W peak power, 380% assist)

 

[tomjasz]

I convert coaster brake bikes for people with hand issues.

My grocery and errand bike has a 1000W front motor and rim brake. The rear coaster brake is adequate enough that I don't use the regen braking option.

 

[indianajo]

I tried several pedal assist e-bikes, but they didn't have enough "assist" for me.

If you want an e-bike that has enough assist to get you up hills you need to look at e-bikes that have higher torque motors such as the Bosch CX, Shimano EP8, Yamaha PX2, etc
These motors are popular in mountain bikes, but have crossed over to loads of other bikes now.

On stupid steep Brisbane hills (31%) - without a sore knee - this took a bit of work to climb in max boost mode - but less than the effort to climb my home street (14%) on my acoustic!
Mike

Mike in australia is fighting a stupid 250 W limit they have there on e-bikes. We in US have a 500 w average law in some states. My 500 W Mac 12 geared hub motor will drag me & 80 lb groceries & 94 lb bike & tools up 15% with no pedaling. From a dead stop, maxing out about 7 mph if I didn't hit the hill with any momentum. If I'm over 15 at the bottom, the motor can haul me up at that speed or higher, with no assistance. I usually pedal myself unpowered, but some days these Viet Nam era Vet knees w/o cartlege are not up to exercise.
As for force with cable brakes, a set of 5" long handles are a lot more hand friendly than the 3.5" handles tektro sells theirs with so they can induce you to pay $120 more for the hydraulics. Such length handles are on used kiddie bikes, or came as the switched handles with my ebikeling hub motor. My bike came with the MTB ends on the cable, matching those on MTBs diamondback, pacific, and other consumer grade trash I used to ride.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Mike in australia is fighting a stupid 250 W limit they have there on e-bikes.

Mike in Australia is fighting the silly 25 km/h speed restriction, not the power.
P.S. @tomjasz?