https://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/vehicles/cycles/crowncruiser/
Reviving a somewhat stale thread. Mountain biking is my favorite thing to do (beside, well, you know). I bought a new bike late last summer--Pivot Trail 429. I'm also I converting an older Pivot to a skills park/jump track bike (just installed a dropper post, upgraded the star ratchets in my read DT Swiss hub, etc.). Probably stupid to be doing this since I am on the large size of 60 years old, but whatever. I haven't cared about eBikes (other than to potential get one for my wife--she could then tag along on my gravel bike forest road rides). To the point...I rode an Orbea today that is a less power, lighter battery assist (first eBike ride, but also rode a Specialized monster watt motor in comparison). The Orbea was light (for an eBike) , kinda poppy, and super fun (in the parking lot). I now get why people are into them, though I'm not personally ready to pull the trigger on one yet. But I am intrigued (and actually happy that this may extend my riding lifetime). The Specialized was super fun as well, but more like a low power motorcycle than a bike.
I've been toying with the idea of getting an e-bike but don't know much about them. Have a trek mountain track 850 rigid that I used to downhill with a lot and also used to road ride with it quite a bit but have been out of it for about 10 years. I live a couple of miles from the forest so would like to get something I could ride on the road to get to the woods but would do most of my riding on logging roads. Any recommendations? Figuring on a budget of about three grand but could do more.
Rob, I am far from an expert on ebikes, but it sounds like you're looking for a gravel bike. All of the major companies have a version of them. I bought a used Specialized Turbo Levo which is an electric mountain bike, not a gravel bike. You should know that there are different classes of ebikes, with the difference being their top speed and whether they have a throttle. Classes 1 and 2 are limited to motor assist up to 20 mph. Class 3 go up to 28mph. The bike's speed is not limited to 20 or 28 mph, you just don't get any assistance after that. If the bike is heavy and/or there is a lot of resistance when the power shuts off it can seem like you are hitting a wall when you hit the limit. Mine is a Class 1, which is fine for mountain biking, but not so much for on the road. I would recommend you get a Class 3 bike. Also most ebikes, like mine, don't have two chain rings on the front. (I think Cannondale has a bike that is an exception, having a front derailleur and dual chainring.) The significance of this on my bike, which is geared low for mountain biking, is that even if I derestricted the electronics so the motors top speed is no longer limited, I would be pedaling as fast as a hamster on meth to go significantly over 20 mph. Increasing the size of the front chainring may give me more speed, but less flexibility on the low end. The other thing you will want to consider is how the power is applied. Some have a cadence sensor which just applies the power when you start pedaling. I prefer what is called a torque sensor which senses the power or torque you are applying so the harder you pedal the more power is delivered. This along with the ability to adjust the amount of the electric assist, allows you to get some exercise. You will also want to research mid-drive motors vs hub drive motors. Most premium bikes have mid-drive motors which allow for torque sensing and having the motor in the center I think offers the same advantages as a mid-engined car. Other issues are battery watts and the amount of torque the motor can deliver. I bought my bike used which can bring some risk due to no warranty for motor issues. However, Specialized offered a long warranty which was transferrable. Finally, if anyone gives you grief for not being a purist with your electric bike, just tell them people said the same thing when Dylan went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. It seemed to work out for him. (Of course this response only applies to old bastards like me as an average Get-Z'er would just respond, Dylan Who?) Lloyd
Thank you Lloyd that is a lot of helpful information. I've been keeping an eye out for used e-bikes but am also planning to go to a local bike shop, the owner is a friend of a friend of mine and my friend suggesting I talk to him. I'm a big guy also so want to make sure I get something that is a good fit for me. As far as Bob Dylan I recently found out that he owns an S2000 so he is alright in my book!
