Afleveringen
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So I successfully rode 75 miles on a single charge of my eBike battery (with a little bit of a top off!). What did I learn from the adventure and what does it mean for future trips with my ebike?
eBike Range Test Takeaways75ish miles is pretty great with a little top offā¦ thatās amazing for the C&O and other reasonably flat terrain!
1.Battery Management is Key
ā¢The ride underscored the importance of efficient battery use. Keeping the e-bike battery between 20% and 80% for everyday use is recommended, but for extended trips, charging to 100% proved essential. However, overuse of higher pedal-assist levels (like Level 3) quickly drained the battery, emphasizing the need to stick to lower levels (1 or 2) to maximize range.
2.Comfort Adjustments are Ongoing
ā¢Experimentation with the saddle and handlebars revealed that finding the right configuration for long rides is a process. While the new saddle and bar extensions offered some comfort, they werenāt perfect, suggesting that further adjustments or a different saddle type (like a Brooks) may be needed for better ergonomics.
3.Weather and Trail Conditions Impact Performance
ā¢The dry, cool weather and improved trail conditions (like the newly paved Western Maryland Rail Trail) enhanced the ride experience. However, headwinds were a challenge, requiring adjustments in effort and assist levels to maintain speed.
4.Range and Effort Balance
ā¢The ride confirmed that the e-bike could cover about 70-75 miles on a single charge, with minimal hills and strategic use of pedal assist. This opens possibilities for long-distance touring with the addition of a second battery but highlighted that even with assist, significant physical effort is still required, particularly on longer rides.
5.Preparation and Redundancy are Crucial
ā¢While the ride was successful, minor issues like forgetting a bike lock, misplacing microphone components, and underestimating hydration needs pointed to the importance of thorough preparation. Carrying a spare battery, hydration supplies, and tools for adjustments proved beneficial.
The ebike is absolutely in my plans for some adventures
- Train and bike to/from DC - really anyplace but emphasis on east coast
- Circumnavigation of Lake Ontario
- More east coast greenway riding
- Another segment of the cross country ride
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On this episode we ride from my cabin to Cumberland, MD on the C&O towpath to see if we can squeeze 75 miles out of my eBike battery! With only one real opportunity to top off, this is a real test with fairly unfun consequences if I run outā¦ did I make it or did I have to pedal the last bit without that little extra boost?
Quick programming noteā¦ this episode is a beast, so Iām going to do takeaways next episodeā¦ feel free to listen to this one in chunks as itās over an hour!
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purposeā¦ to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full dayās ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Letās find out the hard way!
eBike Range Test PreviewThe ride
Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail
1 day, 1 charge*
eBike!
The idea
Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland?
Learning about range
Learning about methods to conserve power
Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal assist? Will I have to?
The weather
We havenāt had rain in the region for a month, so of course we are forecast for rain the night before the ride
BUT it should be dry day of, with a cold start and low 60s as a high
The gear
No camping this tripā¦ doing a hotel in Cumberland and taking the train back
No camping? A lot less gear!
Bringing two emptyish panniers
Charger
Clothes for next day
May bring my sleeping bag for emergencyās sake
Extra chain and tools
The plan
A chilly start after sunrise
Ride to Hancock
Hour break to get a few more miles of charge
Pedal assist level 1 or maybe level 2 on the C&O to keep pace up but conserve battery
Assessing battery in Paw Paw (may have an opportunity to top up)
Will turn off pedal assist as necessaryā¦ or keep it up to improve pace
What is success?
2x speed 1/2 effort!
Knowing the range in real world conditions
Giving the bike its longest test yet
Feeling out the comfort situation - do I need to do more?
Next weekā¦ the ride!
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On this edition of the pod, we kick off 2025 with the intent to make it a year of celebration in a time of loss for me. But celebration is more fun, so letās do that.
2014ās trip was a shout out to my grandmother and 2025 now has to be the same for my dad, who passed away at his home in NY just before Christmas. So, what are we doing by bike to celebrate his life and all sorts of other things?
Celebrating plans already made, and taking care of yourself - yes, Iām in western NY for a few weeks this winter but Iām taking some time to ride my ride in Florida. Familiar trip to be sureā¦ the finish line is the same, but the route is so much more. Details in a few weeks!
A big ebike trip - maybe two. Taking the bike on a ride only the ebike can doā¦ extra distance per day? Twice as fast? Looking at a push west and maybe north too.
Something international - you non-US folks have been very patient with this America-centric pod. Weāll see if we can get wheels down someplace I need a passport.
West coast - what, you thought I wouldnāt hit the Pacific coast? Pffftā¦ find another podcast! Probably summer.
More bike adjacent adventures - exploring someplace where I ride, a bike gets used, but itās not necessarily the full focus.
Next weekā¦ I ran out of 2024! How about another tour journal to catch up?
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With a bunch of snow and ice on the ground where Iām at, itās a good time to focus on things that will help bike tours coming after the thaw. On this episode, an update on my winter fitness goals, what Iām doing to keep it going plus some ideas on winter bike maintenance. Originally podcast January 20, 2022.
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Shifty Saves the Holidays! It's an annual tradition around here that we celebrate the holidays with my senior executive producer and best buddy Shifty the Elf celebrating the year that has been. This year, in a nearly all elf-driven plot, our guy Shifty finds the magic in 2024 to make the holidays special once again. Happy holidays all, and see you in 2025!
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Iāll admit, Iāve been bikepacking curious for a while. As my touring continues to expand and evolve Iām thinking more about bikepacking options and I thought Iād share the process on the pod. Join me, wonāt you? Originally podcast January 28, 2021.
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A repodcast of Pedalshift Live from December 6, 2024 featuring special guest Mysterious James and YOUR questions for a big round of Ask Us Anything. Huge shoutout to the folks that came and made this one of the best live shows yet!
1. Top 3 Must-Have Items for Bike Touring
ā¢ James: Once considered a cook set essential but now tours stoveless. Values minimal gear and adaptability.
ā¢ Tim: iPhone (multi-use tool), foldable backjack chair, and positive vibes for motivation.
2. Best Place for Car-Free Living with Transit and Nature Access
ā¢ James: San Francisco for its bikeability, walkability, and access to nature in all directions.
ā¢ Tim: Portland, Oregon, for its bike-friendly culture, infrastructure, and scenic options for bike tours.
3. Trail Recommendations
ā¢ Greenbrier River Trail (WV): Tim considers it for future e-bike touring despite challenging accessibility and trail conditions.
ā¢ Pine Creek Trail (PA): Known but less explored by Tim and James.
ā¢ Cowboy Trail (NE): On Timās radar, but accessibility challenges persist.
4. Approach to Bike Adventuring
ā¢ James: Minimal planning, go-with-the-flow mindset, and preference for off-road routes.
ā¢ Tim: Focuses on enjoying the experience rather than completing every mile, with flexibility to adapt plans as needed.
5. East Coast Greenway
ā¢ Highlighted as a potential cross-country ride option. Discussed challenges with camping and infrastructure but praised for its connectivity.
6. Tire Preferences
ā¢ James: Schwalbe Marathon and Mondial tires for durability and versatility.
ā¢ Tim: A long-time fan of Schwalbe tires for touring and e-bike use.
7. Mud Guards vs. No Mud Guards
ā¢ James: Initially used mud guards but removed them due to travel difficulties and now prefers to ride without them.
ā¢ Tim: Appreciates their value but acknowledges challenges with mud accumulation on trails like the C&O.
8. Motivation on Long Rides or in Bad Weather
ā¢ James: Allows trips to end naturally when motivation fades, embracing the experience regardless of completion.
ā¢ Tim: Stays motivated by focusing on the overall experience and prioritizing safety, especially in adverse weather.
9. Warm Showers Experience
ā¢ James: Prefers camping or hotels due to flexibility and introversion.
ā¢ Tim: Values the concept but hasnāt fully embraced it due to similar concerns.
10. Cross-Country U.S. Route Priorities
ā¢ James: Interested in rail trail-based routes for safety and scenery.
ā¢ Tim: Eastern Express and routes through national parks like the Lewis and Clark Trail.
11. Cycling Southeast Asia
ā¢ James: Enthralled by Cambodiaās culture and affordability but wary of heat, rain, and traffic.
ā¢ Tim: Intrigued but cautious about climate and road conditions.
12. Cycling Quebec
ā¢ Tim: Keen to explore Quebecās Route Verte and its cultural richness, possibly linking it to U.S. rail trails for a larger tour.
13. Gap and C&O: Pittsburgh to DC vs. DC to Pittsburgh
ā¢ Tim: Initially preferred Cumberland-to-Pittsburgh for the downhill experience but now considers both routes equally, emphasizing convenience based on starting point.
14. Bikepacking Regions to Highlight in a U.S. Cross-Country Tour
ā¢ Must-see trails include the Great American Rail Trail, Katy Trail, and Northern Tierās scenic sections.
Special Mentions: Regina Yan (East Coast Greenway), Adventure Cycling Association (route inspiration), and Schwalbe Tires (consistent performance).
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Back from North Dakota and the bike-adjacent adventures with national parks, bison and Bromptons... I've got some takeaways to share!
Housekeeping
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the next week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!
Takeaways
Folks, North Dakota is worth the trip!
When checking a bike, pay attention to all the vulnerable parts that jut out and donāt shirk the corner padding
Wild bison are worth seeing in person, but donāt expect them to get out of your way
TR NP is an excellent place to bike, but be aware that bison can and do come into the roadway and might scuttle your riding plans
The northern tier route is a good place if you want solitude
Bike adventures can mean a lot of things
Our national parks are treasures worth protecting, but so are our state parks and other public lands
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The final day of the NoDak adventure (finally?) explored the beauty of Medora, North Dakota, on bike, reflecting on the unique experience of cycling the Northern Tier Route. Beautiful views of TR NP, offbeat historical tidbits and some reflections and "what ifs" that prevented me from getting there earlierā¦ all part of the adventure!
Housekeeping
Weāre shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the yearā¦ weāre going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But alsoā¦
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the following week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!
Highlights:
ā¢ Cycling the Northern Tier Route:
ā¢ A ride along the official Northern Tier Route through Medora, including scenic stops by the Little Missouri River and the Medora campground.
ā¢ Observations on the routeās history and recent adjustments due to safety concerns in northern North Dakota.
ā¢ Historical Nuggets: The tale of William Riley Luffy and a historic gunfight near the Little Missouri River.
ā¢ Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Reflections on bison herds, prairie dog cities, and the stark beauty of the Badlands.
ā¢ Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
ā¢ Exploring the charming Wild West vibes of Medora and its support for cyclists.
ā¢ Insights on Theodore Rooseveltās complex legacy and the transformative power of the landscapes that inspired him.
ā¢ Personal Reflections:
ā¢ The joys and challenges of biking in cold weather.
ā¢ Thoughts on the unique beauty of oft-overlooked places like North Dakota.
Takeaways:
ā¢ Cycling Lessons: Even short rides can offer profound connections to the landscapes and communities you explore.
ā¢ Travel Wisdom: Embrace the unexpected, whether itās historical surprises or the realization that your bike can take you farther than you think.
ā¢ Gratitude for Adventure: Recognizing the privilege of discovering new places and bringing listeners along for the journey.
Resources:
ā¢ Plan your Northern Tier adventure with the Adventure Cycling Association.
ā¢ Discover Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park on the official websites and NPS site.
Statistics
Miles biked 5
Cyclist encounters 1
Cowboy themed museums and shops in Medora 5
Flats 0
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A frosty start leads to adventure, navigating through Theodore Roosevelt National Park! From a sub-freezing camping morning to a literal standoff with a bison, listen in as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of fall adventures in one of North Dakotaās most scenic landscapes.
Housekeeping
Weāre shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the yearā¦ weāre going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But alsoā¦
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the following week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!
Folks, heads up this episode contains zero biking, but the next one does as temps eventually warmed up. And as youāll hearā¦ probably for the best it was too cold, because one particular TR NP resident was not interested in yielding to any of usā¦.
Highlights:
ā¢ Cold Camping Realities: Waking up to 31Ā°F in a frosty tent, layering up for warmth, and reflecting on the joys and challenges of camping in such conditions.
ā¢ Wildlife Encounters:
ā¢ Visits to āprairie dog citiesā and observing their fascinating social behaviors.
ā¢ Sightings of deer, jackrabbits, and a variety of birds, including a mysterious pheasant-like species.
ā¢ A memorable standoff with āGandalf,ā a bison blocking the road for over 30 minutes.
ā¢ Reflections on Theodore Roosevelt: Insights into the history and legacy of TRās connection to the park, alongside a discussion of his mixed-bag of a legacy.
ā¢ Midwestern to Western Transition: Observations on how North Dakotaās geography and culture bridge the Midwest and the West.
ā¢ Prairie Dog City Philosophy: The ecological role of prairie dogs and their perception as pests versus vital contributors to their ecosystem.
Takeaways:
ā¢ Gear Tips for Winter Camping: Always pack gloves and insulated footwear to keep extremities warm.
ā¢ Embracing Flexibility: Knowing when to pivot plans, like transitioning from biking to exploring by vehicle when temperatures and wildlife dictate.
ā¢ Respecting Wildlife: Acknowledging the park as the animalsā home and adapting to their presence rather than forcing interactions.
Resources:
ā¢ Visit the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park website for information about visiting this stunning location.
ā¢ Learn more about the Northern Tier Trail here.
Statistics
Morning temp range 21-32 F
Percent of "loop" covered 40
Lord of the Rings wildlife namings 1
Prairie Dog sightings 18 bazillion
Flats 0
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Starting from Fargo and driving clear across North Dakota, I had little to prepare me for what awaited on the western edge of the state. But would I see the bison that I low key really wanted to see, and would some discovered damage on the Brompton scuttle the bikey part of this bike adjacent adventure?
HousekeepingWeāre shifting the schedule around a bit here as we close out the yearā¦ weāre going to delay the final best of for 2024 so we can go straight through to finish the NoDak Adventure with no interruptions. But alsoā¦
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the following week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
Best of will be the week of the 19th, then you Shifty the Elf fans? The Holiday Spectacular returns Dec 26th to close out the year!
NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 2Driving North Dakota Adventures
- Reflections on the landscape: vastness, agriculture, and wildlife sightings along the drive
- Observations on North Dakotaās scenic beauty, especially during fall
- Jamestown Buffalo Museum mention and the fascination with the changing golden hues of the farmlands
Arrival in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Excitement for the parkās wilderness, iconic buffalo herd, and camping at Cottonwood Campground
- Insight into campground conditions: first-come, first-served, no water or services, and gear preparations
- Planning for a night in the chilly North Dakota weather
Camping and Wildlife Encounters
- Capturing buffalo sightings, exploring the park, and photographing the scenic Badlands
- Cycling experiences within the campground and nearby closed loops, including brief cycling issues
- Observations on the local flora, geology, and prairie dog sightings
Unexpected Gear Lessons and Camping Essentials
- Discussing travel gear logistics: food, fuel, and camping supplies for a no-service campground
- Bike challenges: saddle issues and minor damages to bike parts during transport
- Lessons learned for future trips, particularly with bike handling and protection
Biking and Buffalo Close Encounters
- Memorable encounters with buffalo while biking, and the unique thrill of seeing them up close
- Reflection on safety tips and maintaining distance with wildlife while biking
- Experience of witnessing prairie dogs and other local fauna in their natural habitat
Wrapping up the Day and Reflections
- Preparing for a chilly night with layered gear and warming up with hot food and drinks
- Reflections on the uniqueness of North Dakotaās landscapes and the satisfaction of fully exploring the area
- Plans for a cold morning bike ride, additional wildlife sightings, and beginning the drive back to Fargo
Statisitics
Miles driven 333
Bison sightings 1 herd, 1 lone, um, wolf
Bashed Brompton rack tires 1
Impending temperature drop - 34 degrees F, 19 degrees C
Lighters forgotten, and subsequently purchased 1
Flats 0
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On this episode, we start the long journey to bike in the badlands of North Dakotaā¦ it turns out, perhaps the biggest reason I havenāt had a chance to visit North Dakota before is because it is tucked out of the way in the US northern plains. Maybe its remote nature is a part of its draw? Its largest city of Fargo is the gateway to the adventureā¦ would it surprise me from the start?
NoDak Northern Tier Adventure Part 1Statisitics
Miles driven 249
Miles biked 0
States visited 49
Number of campers in camp 1
Number of bikes in camp 1 (Mine!)
Dashed expectations for a cowboy bar because Fargo is way more of a city than I expected and really thatās my own fault because I should have done a minimal amount of research into the vibrant community that Fargo clearly is, and for that Iām a bad podcaster and Iām sorry? Waitā¦ is there a number here? 9!
Flats 0
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Iām going to North Dakota and I am unreasonably excited about it! For years I have been stuck at 48 states visited (and for real, not just airport states) BUT the final two were ND and Alaska, and no disrespect to North Dakota but Alaska needs to be my 50th. But the opportunity to get there was shattered ten years ago when my original ride on the Northern Tier route was scuttled by a heat wave I wasnāt interested in riding through. But nowā¦ Iām doing it. With a bike. And buffaloes.
The Adventure
Heavily car aided. Very heavily. Like, mostly.
Starting and ending in MSP (there for a work thing)
All camping
Brompton riding daily
Crossing the state TWICE
Urban camping in Fargo!
Theodore Roosevelt NP! Buffalo! Camping! Riding!
Finally getting wheels down on the Northern Tier bicycle route!
Rest stop car camping in the very friendly sleep-in rest stops of ND!
Did I mention the 49th state visit?
Itinerary
Day 1
Car rental
Camping in Fargo and Lindenwood Campground
Biking into town for dinner and all the Fargo nightlife I can handle
Day 2
Pre dawn departure
Gain an hour driving across the state into MT
Camping at TR NP at Cottonwood Campground
Buffalo herds nearby and sometimes they saunter into camp?
Day 3
Half day at TR NP to cycle a bit
Drive back across the state
Lose an hour coming back into CT
Rest area about halfway to MSP
Day 4
Pre dawn departure
Get back to MSP and fly home
Gear
Rental car
Brompton
Camping gear that fits in a checked suitcase - going with basics and adding "luxuries" if I can since this is car camping
Stove a must - likely buying fuel in MN or ND
Weather
Not as cold as youād think for fall
Hoping for dry, preparing for not
How much biking?
It really depends. The idea here is to get a sample, not make miles.
Seeing TR NP at the speed of bike
Experiencing Fargo and itsā¦ bike infrastructure?
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So, the ebike worksā¦ and my confidence is up! What were my takeaways from the shakedown ride and what are the kinds of rides Iām considering for 2025 and beyond for my electric wonder?
Housekeeping
Live Show! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the following week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
We have a new adventure lined up in a totally new to me state! Preview episode next week!
Takeaways
The bike works and I might be a better mechanic than I thought
I may have underestimated the range on this battery
I may have underestimated the recharge capabilities of the "slow charger" but maybe not
I need more hand positions (Jones Bar? Something else?)
I really should finish the bike but if Iām cutting cables I want to figure out the handlebars and height first
Iām going to buy all the things to outfit this without borrowing from my other bikes
The Future
I considered bringing this bike for my annual Florida ride, then reconsidered
Positioning an ebike for a ride is complex because transportation has to be by ground or shipping
I want to do more shakedowns before going "over the wall"
C&O to Cumberland and back (or train)
Full GAP/CO
East Coast Greenway segments from DC north and south
Connect OTET to Katy (Dayton-St. Louis)
KC to Denver
Denver to the Pacific Coast
What are you interested in hearing about?
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On this episode, I take my new ebike on its first shakedown ride to test its capabilities, from battery life to chain tension to, wellā¦ does this thing work? Itās a 40 mile round trip from my cabin in West Virginia to a campsite outside of Hancock, MD on the C&O towpath complete with terrain, headwinds, hills and riverside overnight!
Housekeeping
Lael Wilcoxās ride is weeks old now but shout out to listener and former guest Cyrus Fairivar for not only meeting with Lael, but getting an unnamed shout out on her pod!
Live Show announcement! Friday December 6 at 9pm ET/6pm PT - topics TBA, and of course itāll be the pod for the following week if you canāt make it live. Links and more at pedalshift.net/live.
eBike Project - Shakedown Ride
Bike Setup & Preparation:
ā¢ Fully charged battery, loaded with two rear panniers, and adjustments for the first e-bike adventure.
ā¢ Changes from the last ride: added a stove for coffee and packed some food from Mariaās Taqueria.
Ride Experience:
ā¢ Initial observations on battery performance: The e-bike flattened the hills, averaging around 20-25 mph with minimal battery usage.
ā¢ Headwind and hill performance: Noted how the pedal assist (at level 4 and 5) made hills easier and allowed for faster cruising speeds.
Comfort Adjustments:
ā¢ Noted some tingling in the hands and plans to possibly add bar ends or horns for a better grip.
ā¢ A potential move to a more upright riding position, requiring cabling adjustments.
Battery Management:
ā¢ Discussed the range and recharge performance, observing that the battery was only down 25% after 20 miles of riding, even with heavy pedal assist.
ā¢ Insights on ideal battery storage and how the e-bikeās range matched expectations.
Camp Setup:
ā¢ Arrived at camp and shared thoughts on the bikeās potential for longer tours, with plenty of battery for return rides.
ā¢ Reflections on camping alone and observations on trail conditions and other cyclists.
The Ride Back:
ā¢ Further testing of the battery on uphill sections, confirming impressive performance with ample pedal assist.
ā¢ Final reflections on e-bike touring possibilities, noting a vastly improved return ride compared to previous acoustic bike tours.
Statistics
Miles biked: 40 miles
Average Speed on Flats: 23 mph
Battery confidence: 100%Efficacy of using coffee stirrers as chopsticks: 3%
Flats: 0
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Originally recorded live from Hedgesville, WV, this episode of the Pedalshift Project includes the (semi-doomed) 2018 fall tour reveal and gear tips for your fall bicycle touring. Plus banter with youā¦ because it was live! Originally podcast September 27, 2018.
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On this edition, we preview a short but momentous little overnight adventure on my brand new ebikeā¦ weāll discuss goals and strategies, plus recharge options andā¦ hey, weāre getting back on the C&O again!
eBike Project - Shakedown Preview The basicsebike
full charged battery
Two panniers and maybe the sleep kit on the handlebars
No food, no stove
Sleep clothes only (no additional clothing)
Rain gear only if rain ends up being possible
extra tools - chain breaker, master link breaker, more
The routeRoad route from cabin to Hancockās city park, then onto one of the closer campsites on the C&O
Returning the second day to Hancock for any additional charge ups necessary and then up the hills back
Approx 40 total miles, maybe a bit more if I ride further out on the trail
Why so short?Need to keep things close in case we have something happen that requires a vehicle rescue
May be a short ride but it has a lot of climbing, long flats where speed is helpful, and more
Trying to gauge how much range this bike and battery has on real terrain
Minimal gear and gas station cuisine
Hancock has plenty of food options close to the city park that has electric
Will bring water purifier for the trail just in case, but likely will have enough water on hand to make things work
Trying to keep the variables to a minimum
WeatherFinally starting to cool down around here!
High projected to be in 70s (24C), lows in the mid 50s (13C)
Rain in the forecast for a couple of days before, but ending that morning so it should be dry but might have wet ground
Down bag, tent, padā¦ nothing too crazy necessary as we transition into fall
What Iām looking for out of this tripEnsuring the build is solid and safe - rack, brakes, cables no longer pinched
Testing range on the battery
Getting more experience climbing with the boost
Seeing how "fast" my 3A charger can charge (not a lot)
Getting a feel for a suspension bike
Getting a feel for the tires
Assessing comfort - how long can I be in the saddle?
Assessing need for more add-ons
A chill night on the C&Oā¦ havenāt been camping since Oregon this summer!
Pod plansSingle tour journal for the trip (there and back)
Separate takeaways episode to get into assessments, next steps, and potential ideas for 2025
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In this episode, follow an in-depth, step-by-step journey of transforming a surprisingly decent Ozark Trail mountain bike into the first Pedalshift e-bike (n=3 or 4 if youāre counting). This mega-pod takes you from the initial setup to final tweaks, including component replacements, brake and pedal adjustments, and install of a mid drive motor. Iām hardly a bike mechanic, so will things to go sideways at least once like my typical bike adventures?
eBike Project - The Build Hey I got an ebike! Where did I end up? Decided on build over buy - more flexibility Decided on new over used - couldnāt find a good used one that wasnāt $$$ Went with a Bafang middrive motor and a 52v 20Ah frame mounted battery - smaller than Brianās, but still pretty big. Watched a ton of YouTube videos and bought some tools! This took me several weeks because the bike lived at the cabin and I was back and forth a bit as I built it This was a journeyā¦ and the episode is a little long, but definitely brings you along tour journals style for how it wentā¦00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:54 Choosing the Right Bike for the E-Bike Conversion
05:52 Initial Setup and Component Replacements
10:56 Challenges and Adjustments
18:05 Programming and Configuration
28:45 Battery Insights and Expectations
41:03 Assembly and Troubleshooting
48:11 Rear Brake Discovery
48:27 Chain Installation Challenges
48:30 Nighttime Reflections
49:27 Final Adjustments and Cable Management
50:51 Chain Sizing Tips
51:47 First Ride Impressions
52:32 Handlebar and Screen Setup
52:51 Rear Brake Issues
55:28 Pedal and Crank Problems
58:54 Cable and Sensor Installations
01:01:44 Tire Upgrade
01:04:14 Battery and Range Concerns
01:04:53 Shakedown Ride Plans
01:07:23 Final Preparations
01:16:47 Shakedown Ride Execution
01:25:48 E-Bike Confidence Boost
01:30:36 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
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