electric assisted bikes

[smilingcat]

Someone here pointed out Stokemonkey. That has gotten me to start thinking.

It's just beyond my ability to commute roundtrip on my bike. OH BUT BUT BUT... Stokemonkey gave me an idea so I searched for similar items.

http://www.optibike.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOADb...eature=related

and Bionx wheels. The latter has regernative capability so on a single charge I can ride 60+ miles.

With the electric assist, I can commute on my bike

[KnottedYet]

It looks like Bionx wheels are kind of the non-Xtra-cyclist's option? They sound like similar motors.... and now I want one. It would make my 21 miles each way commute much more enjoyable!

Jeeez, I just want everything.

Edit: I really like that you can recharge the Bionx by riding.

[MomOnBike]

I've often thought that motor assist of some sort is a great idea for those whose commute is just a l-i-t-t-l-e too long for them.

Why not? No matter how you cut it, a bike - assisted or otherwise - is so much better in so many ways than a (for instance) Hummer. I've considered it, but my commute is 2 miles one way. I can do it unassisted, no reason for geeky toys for me, durn it.

In other words, you'll get nothing but support from me. Go for it, and let us know how it works.

[Eden]

The optibike guys need to learn how to express road gradients...... I'm pretty sure there are no roads that have a 55% grade.....

the average gradient of that road is 7%.... and it maxes out at around 10.5.... I'm not sure where in the world they got the figures of 17% and 55%

[Jo-n-NY]

I saw one by Schwinn recently. It looks more like a cruiser and under the rear rack was the battery pack.

~ JoAnn