# Recommend me an e-bike! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 2, 2023, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919 "2023-06-02T15:39:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![The\_Librarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_librarian/32/402_2.png) [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2023, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/62 "2023-06-10T07:26:27Z")
Manual bike? šŸ˜‰ A couple of thoughts: - you are ignoring the ā€œcostā€ of building the car. - batteries do not have infinite lifespan. (This one is going to fuck us up badly in a couple of decades) - Comparing energy use of a car at bike speeds is silly. - cars require quite a bit of infrastructure, it seems strange to ignore that. It changes the sums somewhat if you donā€™t. How many empty parking places does a car need to be a viable mode of transport? What about wear and tear of roads? - the conclusion of your sums hinge on the ā€œmanualā€ cyclist eating a terrible diet. If you make him eat more plants; a vegetarian, vegan diet or even a diet with a healthy amount of meat: the numbers start to look dramatically different. If you consider that the ā€œextraā€ calories are more likely eaten anyway (if the cyclist was driving theyā€™d just be heavier: which seems fair from observation) the maths become weird. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2023, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/63 "2023-06-10T12:46:47Z")
> [@The\_Librarian](#): > > Manual bike? šŸ˜‰ > > A couple of thoughts: Hey, The\_Librarian: Shhhhhh. Please keep the volume down for the other visitors to this thread. Seriously, I usually welcome topic tangents in my threads because they often lead down interesting side roads, but this is just annoying. Please take your hijack rant and start another post if you wish. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2023, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/64 "2023-06-10T13:53:51Z")
I have to qualify ā€” this is maybe 30% relevant to the thread ā€” that I was calling it like I see it on city streets. Most people, unless they are heading elsewhere, are not there for a fun ride, unless their idea of fun is weaving through traffic and stopping at lights, and you cannot set a steady, comfortable pace. In the park, or on the trails, I suspect things might be different. People look more athletic, and you do not have swarms of delivery bikes. The type of e-bike you might want is different versus what you would want for fetching groceries, and you would probably not want a cargo rack or anything that adds bulk and weight. And a good e-bike is not particularly loud, so there could be more of them around than I have noticed. > [@solost](#): > > And like I said before, like a 12 year old, I still try to get the highest speed possible on level 3 assist and high gear on a downslope. I will never stop trying to get a high speed record. If you think about it, if level 3 is, e.g., 300ā€“350% assist, and you crank out 100 watts, which is nothing, your total power becomes a steady 450W and you can pretend you are a Tour de France rider! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2023, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/65 "2023-06-10T13:55:34Z")
I asked my sister about her e-bike. She has a Bee Cool Bike and absolutely loves it. With her old regular bike she always worried about having the energy to pedal home. Now she pedals until sheā€™s exhausted and lets the bike get her home. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2023, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/66 "2023-06-10T18:55:49Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Iā€™m used to riding an old Cannondale, which were notoriously heavy bikes Wait a minute. In what world were Cannondales considered heavy? Iā€™ve owned one before and it was one of the lightest road bikes Iā€™ve had. Oversized thinwall aluminum tubes were not heavy. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2023, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/67 "2023-06-11T00:03:24Z")
> [@solost](#): > > The battery is not in a great spot-- it takes up most of the inner frame triangle, so thereā€™s no place for a water bottle holder there. I guess Iā€™ll have to put it on the angled top frame- not ideal but Iā€™ll make do. I like cold water so putting a bottle exposed to the slipstream makes it an air-to-air intercooler. Or in this case and interheater. You can put on on the front of the handle bar using something like [this](https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Stroller-Adjustable-Wheelchair-Motorcycle/dp/B08CKJT1LW/ref=asc_df_B08CKJT1LW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=507775380841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12238303508810134500&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015822&hvtargid=pla-1259161860695&psc=1). Personally, Iā€™d go to a bike shop and see if they can hook you up with a rack and bag. That way you can store your water away from the wind and keep it cooler. Youā€™ll also need to store a pump and repair kit along with a REALLY good lock. Iā€™d consider attaching a tracking device to it. If you mount a water bottle on the outside I would rig a wind screen so wind doesnā€™t touch the water bottle directly. This will keep liquids much colder. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2023, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/68 "2023-06-11T02:20:34Z")
> [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > Wait a minute. In what world were Cannondales considered heavy? Iā€™ve owned one before and it was one of the lightest road bikes Iā€™ve had. Oversized thinwall aluminum tubes were not heavy. I bought the Cannondale I still have, which is a sort of mountain bike / touring hybrid, around 25 years ago or more. All I know is that back then I heard they had a rep for being heavy, overbuilt bikes, and mine is definitely a beast. Maybe yours is a later period model when they learned how to make them lighter, I donā€™t know. > [@Magiver](#): > > Youā€™ll also need to store a pump and repair kit along with a REALLY good lock. Iā€™d consider attaching a tracking device to it. Thanks for all the great bike advice youā€™ve given me in this thread Magiver, I appreciate it! RE: the bike lock though, I have a different philosophy. I bought a cheap bike lock because I figure if someone is out to steal bikes theyā€™re going to have the tools to defeat just about any lock. So I just worry about the opportunistic ā€œgrab and goā€ thieves. Any lock at all will thwart them. But no lock will thwart a determined thief. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2023, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/69 "2023-06-13T14:29:49Z")
> **[MetaCycle](https://sondors.com/collections/metacycle)** > > Go beyond an eBike. Go beyond a motorcycle. Introducing MetaCycle. The new icon that changes the way you move. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2023, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/70 "2023-06-13T14:39:20Z")
That looks really cool, but I didnā€™t want an electric motorcycle, I wanted a bike that I could use for exercise, but gave me a little boost when I needed it. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2023, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/71 "2023-06-13T18:05:32Z")
> [@solost](#): > > RE: the bike lock though, I have a different philosophy. I bought a cheap bike lock because I figure if someone is out to steal bikes theyā€™re going to have the tools to defeat just about any lock. So I just worry about the opportunistic ā€œgrab and goā€ thieves. Any lock at all will thwart them. But no lock will thwart a determined thief. What you really want is not to leave your bike locked up outside overnight or for an extended period of time. > [@Magiver](#): > > pump and repair kit Spare tube + CO2 cannisters works too; not sure how much that lot weighs compared to a pump, but it is compact. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/72 "2023-06-16T16:52:52Z")
Iā€™ve been toying with the idea of getting an e-bike for several months. This thread inspired me to finally do it. I ordered the same bike as the OP, itā€™ll be here in a week. Iā€™m planning to ride to the community college where I teach over the summer. Iā€™m trying to figure out the best way to carry my bag. Googling this is mostly giving me hits for backpacking stuff. So I thought Iā€™d ask for advice here. I have a messenger bag that holds a container for all of my dry-erase markers, pens, and pencils, and three or four 8 x 11.5 in document folders, for papers my students give me. Like these: > **[Amazon.com : 5 Pack Large-Capacity Colored Transparent Document Folders/TFDLCG...](https://www.amazon.com/Large-Capacity-Transparent-Document-Envelopes-Organization/dp/B0927JLPPQ)** > > Amazon.com : 5 Pack Large-Capacity Colored Transparent Document Folders/TFDLCG zm Plastic Envelope with snap Closure/Poly Envelopes,A4 Letter Size(13"Ɨ9.5") for School Home Office,Assorted Colors : Office Products At first I thought Iā€™d buy a rack to attach over the rear wheel, and strap the messenger bag to that with bungee cords. But Iā€™m thinking that would be unwieldy, and a pain to attach/detach. I think a pannier might be better? Because it would detach easily? But arenā€™t those things huge? Is there a better way Iā€™m not thinking of? The main thing is, I donā€™t want to strap a bag to my person. I want something I can attach to the bike. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2023, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/73 "2023-06-16T17:07:00Z")
Congrats on your purchase! My Race Max bike is doing well so far performance-wise, especially considering the stupid great deal I got on it. > [@GESancMan](#): > > At first I thought Iā€™d buy a rack to attach over the rear wheel, and strap the messenger bag to that with bungee cords. But Iā€™m thinking that would be unwieldy, and a pain to attach/detach. I think a pannier might be better? Because it would detach easily? But arenā€™t those things huge? I could be wrong, but I think a pannier needs an existing rear rack to attach to. So whatever solution you come up with, I believe youā€™ll need a rear rack as a starting point. Unfortunately, as I had mentioned above, the rear rack I ordered for my bike didnā€™t fit, and neither did a rear rack I took off my old bike and tried to install on the e-bike. I ordered this rack for my bike which is described as being ā€œalmost universalā€. It arrives Monday-- Iā€™ll let you know if this one fits: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154OMGIK/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o00\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0154OMGIK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2023, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/74 "2023-06-16T17:17:16Z")
Yes, panniers need a rack - panniers come in may sizes. My bike camping ones are 3200+ cubic inches / 54 Liters per pair, but my daily use ones are 32 Liters per pair. Maybe one of thse would work (there ar eplenty of other pannier makers) [https://www.jandd.com/search\_results.asp?subcat=11](https://www.jandd.com/search_results.asp?subcat=11) Brian ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/75 "2023-06-20T21:31:29Z")
> [@solost](#): > > I ordered this rack for my bike which is described as being ā€œalmost universalā€. It arrives Monday-- Iā€™ll let you know if this one fits: Soā€¦ howā€™d it work out? ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/76 "2023-06-20T23:23:00Z")
As a matter of fact, I just finished installing it about a half hour ago. It was a little bit of a hassle because the instructions werenā€™t the greatest, but once I figured out for myself where all the parts went it seems to fit great! It comes with side braces for panniers so it would be a good choice for you if you go that route. So, have you gotten your bike and given it a test ride yet? Please report back and let me know what you think of it! ETA: I see on June 16 you said your bike would arrive in a week, so you likely still have a few days. šŸŽ¶ the waiting is the hardest part šŸŽ¶ ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2023, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/77 "2023-06-20T23:48:42Z")
Cool, Iā€™m gonna get the rack. Thanks! Amazon says my bike will be here between Friday and Monday. Iā€™m really hoping it gets here before Monday, as thatā€™s when the Summer quarter starts. I might not have time to put it together until the next Fridayā€¦ ā˜¹ ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/78 "2023-06-21T00:32:33Z")
The bike is actually pretty easy to assemble. It comes mostly assembled already, and the instructions are pretty good. Thereā€™s also online assembly videos, which I consulted for one part I wasnā€™t 100% sure about. I got mine delivered on a workday, put it together after work, and still had plenty of daylight to give it a good test ride. It was easier to assemble than the rack! If you want any help or pointers putting the bike (or the rack) together, post here or PM me. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2023, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/79 "2023-06-21T23:33:30Z")
For @GESancMan , who is getting the bike and rack I just bought, and whoever else may be interested, here is a pic of my bike fully ā€˜kitted outā€™ with a water bottle holder and rear rack with hard-shell case. The water bottle position isnā€™t ideal-- I had to move it up as high as I could and only fit 16oz. disposable bottles in there for now, because if it sits too far back with a big water bottle, it hits me in the crotch when I get off the seat to put my feet on the ground when I stop. And thereā€™s really nowhere else to put it, with the battery taking up the interior frame area. Guess Iā€™ll have to get a stubby refillable bottle and keep extras in the rear pack. Oh well, overall Iā€™m happy with my rig. [![](https://i.imgur.com/x7f5t6d.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/x7f5t6d.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/80 "2023-06-22T02:44:11Z")
So cool @solost ! And you got a screaming good deal by ordering on line & putting it together yourself. The dealer where I bought my Aventon also carried the same model Heybike, at twice Amazonā€™s price. I like your rear rack configuration, though I think I would need a larger ā€œmilk crateā€ for hauling groceries. I also need the step-through frame, since I canā€™t swing my dodgy hip over the bar Since weā€™re showing pictures of our kids, hereā€™s mine. I have to thank the posters in this thread, and especially you, again for all of the excellent advice! [![](https://i.imgur.com/H7pbBim.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/H7pbBim.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919/81 "2023-06-22T03:49:28Z")
Well, my bike was delivered today, two days early! I put it together, but all of the accessories (helmet, lock, etc) I bought arenā€™t arriving until tomorrow. Hopefully Iā€™ll get to take it out for a proper spin tomorrow! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-an-e-bike/984919.md?page=5)