Time to get an e-bike? 30% tax credit through BBB plan.

Page 4 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
11,684
5,222
136
fwiw…I commuted for >6 years almost exclusively on, first street-ed mtb’s (high pressure slicks from Conti, I believe—or Michelin—forget the brand, rear view mirrors that fit handlebar ends, etc.) and “graduated” to road bikes within a year of bike commuting.

Tried quite a bit of rain/foul weather gear from Cannondale/Pearl Izumi/Trek/etc., all of which sorta worked. Best gear I found, tho, was made for motorcycles…mostly bought Honda stuff because was what local dealer sold and good fit and price. Still have the Honda rain suit (pants & jacket).

The motorcycle rain gear worked much better than the bicycle centric brands did…like knees never weeping/leaking, pants long enough to keep tops of boots covered, better/more water resistant closures around any/every body part opening like wrists, neck, etc.

Same with cold weather gear…more effective stuff from the motorized side of riding. Shouldn’t be surprised tho given m’cycle gear is designed to work at much higher speeds than bikes typically achieve.


Re: e-bikes. For me, would seem a nice acquisition except for the initial cost. But still have nightmares vis a vis Schwinn’s first battery powered bike back in the late ‘90’s. Ungainly due to huge battery wedged into main frame triangle and its huge weight penalty (battery scaled down flooded lead acid type…f’n heavy). Total weight of bike was north of 60#. Hope the batt tech has improved.
 
Last edited:

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,483
8,344
126
Modern battery tech is very forgiving. Most bikes can get 20 miles under extreme use. 50+ under light assist. My wife has a Yamaha Civante which is a road frame with a mid drive motor. It's about 43 pounds, can do 28mph and with her 3 mile each way ride, charges 1-2 a month. It's very efficient if you aren't in high assistance levels.

She gets paid a dollar a day by her employer to bike and it costs about $.12 a month in electricity to operate it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captante

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
68,459
12,613
126
www.anyf.ca
What a coincidence. Was humoring the idea that I could get an ebike to commute to work instead of the truck. And bam.


The fact that they are planing this is a good step.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Captante and Pohemi