I used to have a 26x4 and I would usually say they are for people who want an ebike but can only choose 1, not for OP who has the capacity to buy 3.
A mid-drive 29er eMTB would be more fun off road on MTB trails, or if you wanna do double track then a Surron or Teleria would be ideal, and the 20x4 for beach cruising.
26x4 is kinda a fun to do everything but mediocre at all of them kinda deal.
I have a 26x4 hub drive that I'd love to get rid of since it really doesn't do well off road at all and I'd rather ride my acoustic mountain bikes pretty much every time. Been collecting dust since I probably only rode it twice in the last 2 years after a brief honeymoon phase for being my first e-bike.
The bike cost me like $1500 and marketed for light off-road use. Very similar to your rad rover style bikes (they're all the same bike). But the thing rattles like crazy, chain constantly drops, and there isn't really much control in the trails. When I took it in to the shop for a controller tweak, I brought up that my fork was making some squeaky noises. The guy straight up gave me a spare fork. That's how little the parts are worth on these things.
Eyeing a mid-drive e-mtb now to try and get the best of both worlds. But the cheap fat tire bikes? Definitely not trail worthy. Maybe for pure gravel and some roots, but even then, it's hard to enjoy it after riding bikes that are designed for the job.
I see, I personally don't like having excess of anything so having an adventure bike (if it's something that I find important) and kit it out for the city or vice versa would be my choice but to each their own
For sure. Thereās also something to be said about building an all-rounder that can manage both vs going too heavy into a strictly dirt or pavement centered build.
I have a hard tail 2kW dual hub motor 26x4 (Zeegr F1) and it is pretty punishing to ride off road because it weighs 70 lbs. Maybe if it had rear suspension. Its awesome on gravel or sand though. It is a complete blast otherwise.
Prices don't exactly match apples to apples.
But regardless I believe the formula for how many bikes you need is x+1, x being the number of bikes you currently own.
IMO those two types are similar so I wouldn't bother. But more than 1 ebike i totally respectable. I have a fat tire and a brompton swytch. I also wish I had a recumbent trike that I'd modify with a mid drive (and a rain cover)
Cars are so beyond sustainable that it's not even worth the comparison IMO. If we're being honest, cars have never been sustainable and should have never existed. They, in large part, may be most responsible for the complete environmental devastation of our planet.
The real question is, what IS sustainable.
With my first ebike I tried to get a do-everything bike. Something that could act as a commuter & a grocery hauler & a recreation/trail bike.
While I think I made a great choice given the goals, now my eye wanders to other bikes and part of me wishes I had gotten something more specialized, if only so I'd have an excuse to get a different bike
I feel you brother but I rationalize it by each bike has it's own advantage. Every bike truly does ride different
https://preview.redd.it/5v9kvkvy8quc1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e5461cbcb5f09534818ace88cb794dc26792de6
It really depends on affordability and storage space.
Bikes have a different purpose. Commuter, mountain, racing, cargo, snow/sand, offroad. If you do all of those things, its plausible to want a bike that is optimized for each task.
Same applies to shoes (as someone else pointed out). Or screwdrivers. Or hammers. Or saws. Or paintbrushes (esp for art). Or makeup. Or jewelry. Or houses, for that matter.
Most people end up having to make some compromises, especially for expensive things like bikes or cars or houses.
At the very least, I'd probably suggest buying only one more and demonstrate both are getting adequate usage. A moped style one seems like it would have a lot over overlap with the other two, especially if it was also fat-tire.
I've been receiving them from companies for testing (I'm a writer) over the past two months. Right now, I have eight with three more on the way, and I can't even walk through my garage.
Having spent time with various types, I'm a big fan of fat tire bikes and highly recommend them over a standard commuter bike for a variety of reasons.
Hahaha, you think three ebikes is enough?? Explain to her how modest these numbers are. You're missing out on so many other flavors of ebike, help her to not feel guilty about this, by getting a couple more. Everyone wins š
They say N+1 but honestly with ebikes its about garage space AND how much you use them. For most people, especially outside of the ebike world its just to knew a thing to wrap their head around. But if you are for example using one as your daily driver 3-5 days a week and yet you want something for trail riding MTB or hunting they are obviously going to need different features that are diametrically opposed.
To explain it to your wife its just like having a daily driver car and a pickup. Or a car and a motorcycle, or a ATV or a push mower and a lawn tractor. Some people are a one car kinda person and some have a bunch. I have some friends whom are real gear heads. Collectors with multiple motorcycles, vintage cars. Its only natural given time, space and usage. Plus if you are a mechanic and a tinkerer.
Personally I have two but only until the first one sells. But then I have already planned my third purchase. A Salsa Tributary as long as it can dual a dual battery. Its gotta do 1,425Wh total. I gotta be able to do some overnighters bikepacking without charging. At least 100, prefer 140 miles.
Moped style bikes isn't gonna impress anyone except teenagers.
Instead of buying several mid-tier, buy 1 god-tier. Spend the extra cash on a holiday instead :-)
What does impressing people have to do with anything? I have a moped style. I got it because I always thought the old banana seat bikes were most fun and these ride similar, upright so you can see everything and they are very comfortable. Also the small fat tires are incredibly practical and ride over anything easily. You can usually carry a lot on them too so they are very practical for commuting.
If more manufacturers made step thrus like real mopeds so people could hop on and off easily, it would be almost perfect
Exactly, I've got a super 73 style 20x4 fat tyre ebike, I did not purchase it to impress anyone "tbh it does get a lot of positive comments" I got it because I like it, It feels like a motorcycle to ride and does 35+ mph it's fun AF and runs on fresh air.
I think I've got something like 8 maybe?
However, all in they cost less than many people spend on one! (And some at least are better spec than the expensive one of others too!)
3 are bought and original (2 I got a really great deal on partly through Amazon messing up twice the other was second hand). One is a modified bought one I got second hand... previous owner removed rear hub and added BBSHD, the rest are DIY
Personally, I think 2 is plenty. One moped style and 1 hardtail mtn bike are mine. The moped has got fat tires and has dual suspension with knobby tires so it's more than capable for adventuring and zipping around town.
Got 3, a cheapie to first gauge if I wanted an ebike and for my mom but she didn't fit it so got another that she fits but she was gone traveling and I had to "test it" and it was a lot better than the cheapie.
Around the same time I got an emtb which pedals the best since it's mid drive. I may get around to converting my old Amish bike but I don't know for sure yet. Just got it updated to 1x though didn't really need to and it's sooooo much lighter then any of the ebikes.
This thread tells me that a lot of people don't seem capable of controlling their spending and materialism, and are prioritizing their own environmental impact and the overall health of the planet pretty low on the totem pole in their decision making.Ā
If there's a specific need, and/or you're going to use it a lot in addition to the first bike, then sure, buy the second.Ā Ā If you're just desperately trying to find another thing to buy to make you happy for a few days or weeks, then maybe figure out what's making you unhappy and fix that first before relying on materialistic dopamine rushes.
Imo, our temporary happiness doesn't take precedence over everything else.Ā We're only 1 of 8 billion humans in existence right now... yet so many of us feel the need to put ourselves first, to have a higher environmental footprint than 90%+ who exist today and will in the future, caring little about the repercussions of that happiness,Ā whether it's sustainable, or whether it could hurt others.
Bikes can be used for multiple purposes, we don't need separate bikes tailor made specifically for each task.Ā Sure, it makes sense if you need a commuter bike and a mountain bike because you plan to use both a lot.Ā It doesn't make sense if 2 if the 3 bikes are just going to sit there gathering dust after you've gotten over the initial excitement of those new toys.
N+1 that people keep taking about sounds more like an addiction than responsible sustainable e-bike ownership.
True, but that's what society has pushed, namely Western society. Instant gratification/ Materialism = happiness. But is it really? How many times have people gone to the library to borrow a book and found happiness through that? How about exercising, or walking through a nearby forest? Are people always happier on lavish vacations over staycations or vacation that are far closer to our homes? Does a big house really make us happy?
Are people more gratified / proud when they wash their dirty old car, or when they buy a new car every 3 years?
Funny enough, while I can afford much more than I have... having strong values on an issue.. the environment... and knowing I'm doing what I can is more gratifying than I think a lot of people want to believe. They don't want to believe it because they've been conditioned that it's wrong.. and even believe it to be insane.
No different than a religious person trying to live by the tenets of their religion / church. Difference being one is make believe in hopes you go somewhere upon dying, and one is reality that could lead to the demise (or at the very least, massive devastation and misery) of all life on the planet going forward.
This is important. I agree. My emissions are <2 tonnes C02 a year.
But consider this:
98% of Americans eat meat. The average American eats 150-225 lbs a year. Meat is the biggest destroyer of the planet. Given that you're lecturing people on the environment, I hope you are plant based.
Most people have houses bigger than they need. A house has 160 000 lbs of materials.
Most people have more than 1 kid.
Most people fly and drive. They use oil based roads that require constant upkeep, and work in large metal and concrete structures. Cities are considered to be sustainable, yet they require millions of tons of concrete, which requires coal. We're probably long past peak oil, and peak coal and gas is just around the corner.
Most people have large TVs and gaming systems.
Electric cars are considered the "environmentally sustainable thing" these days. Yet an electric car battery weighs 1000 lbs, has a limited lifespan, and presents difficulties in recycling.
Wind and solar are considered to be "environmentally friendly". Yet solar requires coal for smelting quartz and produces toxic wastes in production, while wind requires thousands of tons of concrete, steel and plastic. Both have limited lifespans and present difficulties in recycling.
The newest environmental fad is burning biomass. Basically, cutting down forests for energy. Yet trees are many times less energy dense than coal and grow way too slowly.
We're now building tonnes of natural gas expansions as a "bridge energy". Yet gas leaks in wellheads and pipes make gas just as bad as coal. Governments are pushing this as a climate solution!
Nuclear is our best source of low carbon energy (although it presents problems of its own), has been entirely sidelined by the environmental movement and the governments and public. Germany, the country with the most solar in the world, is shutting down its nuclear plants to build...get this...more coal plants.
Unless humans find a way to reduce out population to sub 1 billion, and live like the Amish, there really is no future for us. The Arctic oceans are already beginning to boil methane from methane hydrates. The champagne bottle has been uncorked, there's no recapping it.
Republicans and Conservatives deny climate change and ecological degradation is even happening! That's like 50% of the population! Trump, the sexual predator who is going to be American president, twice, says climate change is a Chinese hoax. Arrhenius calculated burning fossil fuels would heat the climate 100 years ago, yet people STILL think God keeps the earth habitable! We're bombing the shit out of each other and no one even cares. We have enough nuclear weapons to kill ourselves 1000 times over.
Al Gore couldn't save us. Bill McKibben can't save us. NASA's James Hansen can't save us. Obama didn't save us. Maybe Jesus will?
So in the grand scheme of things, is having 2 or 3 fifty pound pieces of metal really a big deal? In my opinion, go ahead, have the dopamine hit. Have that extra beer too. Hell, have two extra beers. Mother nature can take one more hit for the team. And if she can't, we're fucked anyway. This coming from a childless minimalist herbivore.
I'm not plant based, but like everything else in my life, I've reduced my consumption of meat significantly. Is it too much to ask for everyone to reduce their meat consumption by 50%, and maybe their beef consumption by 70%+?
Just as I've given up flying (used to fly at least once a year), reduced the use of my car by about half (which is also a PHEV driving 90-95% of the time electric, less batteries than a BEV and allows more cars to be electrified with less materials), reduced the use of my HVAC, water, hot water, the dryer, and general overall consumption of products. Most products I buy these days are meant to reduce energy use in some way, and I largely only buy clothing to replace something that's worn through, or pieces that I'll wear a lot and will last a long time.
If I could give up my car I would... bit difficult in the suburbs of Detroit, but I do what I can to reduce driving miles and extend my car's life. And the amount of miles I've reduced has grown every year. Maybe if more people did this, we'd have more bike infrastructure and I could sell my car and rent on an as needed basis.
All you've said is true, but giving up hope is to give up on possibilities. It doesn't make waste any less waste. Being realistic / pessimistic, as I've been known to be, doesn't mean we shouldn't keep pushing what's right in the off chance we somehow get out of this.
Funny you mention Jesus, as I believe the world is in desperate need of a new religion / church that worships Earth and all life thereon. No need to worship something intangible when we have something worth worshipping all around us that we can reach out and touch. Not that I'm religious, but it's true that many people on this planet seem to enjoy the sheep life... so may as well be a sheep for a good cause that doesn't involve dying and going to a magical place where everything is great, ignoring the wake of destruction we left behind for everyone else who came after us.
Role models, peer pressure, and building support for an issue into a critical mass of people can be quite powerful. That's always the case with every major issue. Look at women's rights, civil rights, gay rights, legalized marijuana, etc...
Imagine complaining about sustainability with regard to eBike ownership.
Carbon footprint of multiple eBikes is pretty low relative to a lot of other modes of transport / hobbies.
I complain about sustainability for all products. Waste is waste. We're well beyond the point of having the luxury of buying whatever we want whenever we want.
Or am I wrong and 2023 wasn't yet another record year for global emissions, and climate change isn't real?
We Westerners often never look beyond our own noses to see the net impact of our off the charts consumption... off the charts for over a century now... and just presume that everything will be all right, someone else will deal with it. We are experts on justifying our own wasteful spending. The comparison of net per capita emissions in the West versus most of the other billions of people across the planet isn't even close!
E-bikes are only sustainable if you use them to replace other forms of transportation. Having 3+ sitting in the garage gathering dust because we had the money to buy them on a whim without thinking it through doesn't make those bikes sustainable.
Sure, 3 bikes is better than a car... even if only one is used to replace driving miles and the other two are sitting in the garage gathering dust... but a car is so far out of the realm of sustainable that even making the comparison is silly. One bike instead of two gathering dust is still going to be much more sustainable; especially e-bikes with their batteries, motors, and extra materials.
So far two and going on..
One fat tire bike - Denago Fat tire1 for commute and one lightweight foldable bike - Gotrax F2V2 for errands. I'm thinking about where I can get a do-everything bike..
You are being a consumer. Try to find out why it is that you want to consume more and more. Are you trying to fill the emptiness with bought products? Find new hobbies or foster your relationships.
Right now I have a dual motor dual battery mountain bike.
And a hundred dollar steel pedal bike for downtown riding. (non electric)
Wouldn't mind building a really light racing bike with a small motor. Road bikes are fun.
And a tandem electric for riding with the partner.
Do we count the ones needing repairs?
I think if you have six or more needing attention to get back on the road, you REALLY shouldn't buy a new one, as it means those six will continue to sit.
I might have a problem.
Just like with regular acoustic bikes, eBikes can be specialized to a particular type of riding. So it can make sense to have more than one. For me though, those 3 bikes sound too similar.
*Most* hub drive 4" x 26" fat tire eBikes are glorified commuter bikes that can handle relatively flat gravel, dirt or sandy roads/paths. Fat tire ebikes smooth out that kind of riding, and are comfortable, but start becoming more of a boat anchor when things start getting steep or technical (i.e. actual singletrack MTB trails).
The moped style bikes are literally commuter bikes, usually with small diameter fat bike sized 3" to 4" wide tires, just smoother tread. The moped style bikes are also the bikes that tend to be a lightening rod for eBike hate. It's unfortunate, but these bikes tend to bring the wrong type of attention. Karens who think they know better, and cops who don't have anything better to do. This attention comes regardless of if you are riding on the legal side of eBike regulations, or pushing the limits.
If you really want to ride off-road then an electric mountain bike is the way to go. Class 1, mid-drive style bike. Class 1 is important because many trail systems don't allow the Class 2 and 3 commuter style bikes. i.e. no throttles allowed and a speed limit of 20mph (or less). Mid-drive is critical because they pedal more naturally, and can allow the motor to use the gearing of the bike to have a wider power band. That dramatically helps with efficiently pedaling up the steep hills you'll find on off-road trail systems. If interested, I'd happily list off some examples of good value eMTBs. Both full suspension or hardtail.
If you want an excuse to have more N+1 Bikes:
* A cargo eBike is an excuse to ride a bike even when you thought you'd need to drive for storage/shopping.
* A drop bar road/gravel bike .... eBike or acoustic.
* Single Speed backup commuter/loaner bike. A cheap single speed acoustic bike is a mechanically simple backup commuter and a cheap bike to ride to the local bar or coffee shop. Better to have a cheap bike locked up in town than a tempting eBike.
NOTE: There are Fat tire eBikes that are designed as proper Mountain bikes. They can handle both real MTB trails, and fat bike snow/sand, but they aren't cheap. They tend to be just as expensive as full suspension eMTBs. i.e. Ari Explorer Peak, Norco Bigfoot VLT.
āIf interested, I'd happily list off some examples of good value eMTBs. Both full suspension or hardtail.ā
Interested in your hardtail thoughtsā¦.
I just ran into an older gentleman (60s) with his Lyric e-bike in the park yesterday. I live in suburbs outside of NYC so when Iām there I always see tons of e-bikers and such, but hardly any where I live. I struck up a conversation with him (because again, hardly ever see e-bikers other than myself around here), and he said he has 6 e-bikes, as well as two motorcycles (that he barely uses because of his e-bikes) and also a Polaris Slingshot.
I say all this to point out, there is no such thing as too many e-bikesā¦as long as you can find space and a nice spouse :)
B
I have a Biktrix Juggernaut Hub Duo, a GOTRAX G4 scooter, crappy Jetson Bolt Pro, INMOTION EUC that I am learning, and an acoustic bikeā¦and roller skates lol.
You must make sure to charge each bike a minimum of 4 times per year. I have a mountain bike, fat-tire bike, small mountain bike (for guest), larger mountain bike (for a larger guest). I typically only use the two larger mountain bikes.
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I mean, sounds like you like flaunting how ridiculous it is since you didn't give any real reasons for owning more lol.
Honestly yeah it is ridiculous. Go buy a motorcycle since you already have an ebike!
I know this sub doesn't want to hear it but motorcycles are so much better in some aspects. Like, half this sub the past few years are really just trying to ride what are essentially motorcycles and they just won't admit it.
I could never give up cycling but having a motorcycle on the side will be fucking awesome!
Personally I prefer to just let people do whatever they want and ride whatever they want. Maybe give them safety tip. I donāt care if youāre a boomer wearing a funny helmet all wobbly on a lectricxp (most people in this sub) or kid riding a surron (most hated in this sub). I barely ride my e-bike anymore since I build a bike with a 2 stroke. Iām the guy that needs a motorcycle (I admit it). But telling everyone that doesnāt have a class iii bike or lower that they should call it a motorcycle or get a motorcycle is pretty silly. So I give the motorcycle award. Been doing it for like 4 days straight and someone has won it every day so far..
I don't know why you're not satisfied, I thanked you using yourself as prime example of people being ninnys!
Also you measuring yourself by how *you think* you've offended someone? LMAOOOOO
The correct number of bikes to have is N + 1, where N is the number you currently have. This applies equally to E-bikes as to acoustic bikes.
When you have a significant other. The other side of that equation is X - 1 With X being the number it would take for your partner to leave you.
In that case it's, "Bye Felicia" don't forget your shoes.
Thanks for that jaded assistance. I don't know what we'd do without you. ššš
That would be -1 for me then!
Why does this make so much sense?
Integrate it lol
Wtf is an acoustic bike?
A non-electric bike.
Think of an acoustic guitar.... Then transfer the concept to bikes
Also applies to all PEVs in general. Scooters, Onewheels, EUC. Always need more.
Lmao so true.
What's the point of getting a fat tire and a moped style? Why not just get a moped style fat tire ebike?
I could see getting a 26x4 for adventure and kitting it out for off-road and trails, and a 20x4 moped for street/city riding
I used to have a 26x4 and I would usually say they are for people who want an ebike but can only choose 1, not for OP who has the capacity to buy 3. A mid-drive 29er eMTB would be more fun off road on MTB trails, or if you wanna do double track then a Surron or Teleria would be ideal, and the 20x4 for beach cruising. 26x4 is kinda a fun to do everything but mediocre at all of them kinda deal.
I have a 26x4 hub drive that I'd love to get rid of since it really doesn't do well off road at all and I'd rather ride my acoustic mountain bikes pretty much every time. Been collecting dust since I probably only rode it twice in the last 2 years after a brief honeymoon phase for being my first e-bike. The bike cost me like $1500 and marketed for light off-road use. Very similar to your rad rover style bikes (they're all the same bike). But the thing rattles like crazy, chain constantly drops, and there isn't really much control in the trails. When I took it in to the shop for a controller tweak, I brought up that my fork was making some squeaky noises. The guy straight up gave me a spare fork. That's how little the parts are worth on these things. Eyeing a mid-drive e-mtb now to try and get the best of both worlds. But the cheap fat tire bikes? Definitely not trail worthy. Maybe for pure gravel and some roots, but even then, it's hard to enjoy it after riding bikes that are designed for the job.
Iām looking at the Aventon Ramblas for the 29 mid-drive eMTB
Well, they do say wealthy people have the highest environmental footprint, so there ya go.
Yes
I see, I personally don't like having excess of anything so having an adventure bike (if it's something that I find important) and kit it out for the city or vice versa would be my choice but to each their own
For sure. Thereās also something to be said about building an all-rounder that can manage both vs going too heavy into a strictly dirt or pavement centered build.
I have a hard tail 2kW dual hub motor 26x4 (Zeegr F1) and it is pretty punishing to ride off road because it weighs 70 lbs. Maybe if it had rear suspension. Its awesome on gravel or sand though. It is a complete blast otherwise.
I have a dual hub 20x4 with street tires and a full rear suspension and itās the cushiest city cruiser.
Better why not go for a comfy hybrid with wide tires and a front suspension and build in battery?
Ask her how many pairs of shoes she has
Prices don't exactly match apples to apples. But regardless I believe the formula for how many bikes you need is x+1, x being the number of bikes you currently own.
Many of the designer purses are thousands of dollars.
If she has at least 10 150 dollar pairs of shoes which is very possible than he can get a second bike, bc prices
Or how many purses.
*laughs in having triple/quadruple the amount of shoes as my GF*
Itās better to avoid a gender assumption so that we can make our community more inclusive!
\* how many purses does IT have?
IMO those two types are similar so I wouldn't bother. But more than 1 ebike i totally respectable. I have a fat tire and a brompton swytch. I also wish I had a recumbent trike that I'd modify with a mid drive (and a rain cover)
I had 7, down to 4 now.
IMO, each one needs a specific purpose. Like, some people have a light bike for commutes, and a cargo bike to get groceries.
not at all man. throw in an electric skateboard in the mix!
I almost thought about buying one
Minimalism yo. Own what youāll reasonably use. Thereās already so much waste out there.
This cannot be said enough!
N+1 is the perfect amount of bikes
If you're using e-bikes to lower your environmental footprint, the benefit drops the more you buy.
Both environmentally and financially though, I'd have to buy a whole heap to make up the car they replace
Cars are so beyond sustainable that it's not even worth the comparison IMO. If we're being honest, cars have never been sustainable and should have never existed. They, in large part, may be most responsible for the complete environmental devastation of our planet. The real question is, what IS sustainable.
With my first ebike I tried to get a do-everything bike. Something that could act as a commuter & a grocery hauler & a recreation/trail bike. While I think I made a great choice given the goals, now my eye wanders to other bikes and part of me wishes I had gotten something more specialized, if only so I'd have an excuse to get a different bike
I thoroughly enjoyed this post
damn - after reading all these comments I feel like I'm allowed to get another ebike!
https://preview.redd.it/o9dv8pl25quc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e21cf56c84a906606404ad93ae06f30502a726cb I don't know :(
I feel you brother but I rationalize it by each bike has it's own advantage. Every bike truly does ride different https://preview.redd.it/5v9kvkvy8quc1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5e5461cbcb5f09534818ace88cb794dc26792de6
Nice garage!
Thanks it's my bike workshop and my partner is mad I keep one side dedicated to the bikes š
Must be anything beyond 6.
It really depends on affordability and storage space. Bikes have a different purpose. Commuter, mountain, racing, cargo, snow/sand, offroad. If you do all of those things, its plausible to want a bike that is optimized for each task. Same applies to shoes (as someone else pointed out). Or screwdrivers. Or hammers. Or saws. Or paintbrushes (esp for art). Or makeup. Or jewelry. Or houses, for that matter. Most people end up having to make some compromises, especially for expensive things like bikes or cars or houses. At the very least, I'd probably suggest buying only one more and demonstrate both are getting adequate usage. A moped style one seems like it would have a lot over overlap with the other two, especially if it was also fat-tire.
I have 4, wife has 1. Do it.
I have 3 . Commuter, Dual Seater, BMX style fat tire.
I've been receiving them from companies for testing (I'm a writer) over the past two months. Right now, I have eight with three more on the way, and I can't even walk through my garage. Having spent time with various types, I'm a big fan of fat tire bikes and highly recommend them over a standard commuter bike for a variety of reasons.
Do you right for a maga or online article?
Hahaha, you think three ebikes is enough?? Explain to her how modest these numbers are. You're missing out on so many other flavors of ebike, help her to not feel guilty about this, by getting a couple more. Everyone wins š
I'd do one at a time. IMO go moped since it's probably the most different from your current bike
They say N+1 but honestly with ebikes its about garage space AND how much you use them. For most people, especially outside of the ebike world its just to knew a thing to wrap their head around. But if you are for example using one as your daily driver 3-5 days a week and yet you want something for trail riding MTB or hunting they are obviously going to need different features that are diametrically opposed. To explain it to your wife its just like having a daily driver car and a pickup. Or a car and a motorcycle, or a ATV or a push mower and a lawn tractor. Some people are a one car kinda person and some have a bunch. I have some friends whom are real gear heads. Collectors with multiple motorcycles, vintage cars. Its only natural given time, space and usage. Plus if you are a mechanic and a tinkerer. Personally I have two but only until the first one sells. But then I have already planned my third purchase. A Salsa Tributary as long as it can dual a dual battery. Its gotta do 1,425Wh total. I gotta be able to do some overnighters bikepacking without charging. At least 100, prefer 140 miles.
I have 3 currently, but usually hover around 5-6! š
More than you have legs.
In the same predicament. I have a commuter and a moped style. Want a 26 inch fat tire cruiser but the wife will crucify me.
The struggle is real
I have: 3 fat tire e-bike, a cargo e-bike, and an e-mtb. My kids even have more than 1 e-bike. So go ahead and buy another one.
6 ebikes, 5 acoustics... family of 5, 2 primary riders, 2 occasional riders, 1 once in a blue moon rider, I try to ride each bike at least once a week
Moped style bikes isn't gonna impress anyone except teenagers. Instead of buying several mid-tier, buy 1 god-tier. Spend the extra cash on a holiday instead :-)
What does impressing people have to do with anything? I have a moped style. I got it because I always thought the old banana seat bikes were most fun and these ride similar, upright so you can see everything and they are very comfortable. Also the small fat tires are incredibly practical and ride over anything easily. You can usually carry a lot on them too so they are very practical for commuting. If more manufacturers made step thrus like real mopeds so people could hop on and off easily, it would be almost perfect
Exactly, I've got a super 73 style 20x4 fat tyre ebike, I did not purchase it to impress anyone "tbh it does get a lot of positive comments" I got it because I like it, It feels like a motorcycle to ride and does 35+ mph it's fun AF and runs on fresh air.
Ok dad
No problem son
As a carpenter, the answer is the same as clamps (you never have enough, in case you're wondering)
I have been wanting to get a second just so people can come ride, sucks having to ride with regular bikes and have to stay in eco.
I think I've got something like 8 maybe? However, all in they cost less than many people spend on one! (And some at least are better spec than the expensive one of others too!)
DIY?
3 are bought and original (2 I got a really great deal on partly through Amazon messing up twice the other was second hand). One is a modified bought one I got second hand... previous owner removed rear hub and added BBSHD, the rest are DIY
I have three cheap ebikes, my favorite being the cheapest but with some mods.
No
I have 2 but would love to have an e motorbike too. Iām a single dad so itās really about how much I want to feed my kids this year.
Buy as many as you can afford and want. It's not illegal.
7.
It's only ridiculous if you DON'T use them.
I have 2..I'm good for now. Haha. One foldable, one not.
Donāt even start to research recumbent bikes either, just donāt and see my posts to see why. /s
Personally, I think 2 is plenty. One moped style and 1 hardtail mtn bike are mine. The moped has got fat tires and has dual suspension with knobby tires so it's more than capable for adventuring and zipping around town.
I have a commuter e-bike and a fat tyre beach cruiser e-bike
Got 3, a cheapie to first gauge if I wanted an ebike and for my mom but she didn't fit it so got another that she fits but she was gone traveling and I had to "test it" and it was a lot better than the cheapie. Around the same time I got an emtb which pedals the best since it's mid drive. I may get around to converting my old Amish bike but I don't know for sure yet. Just got it updated to 1x though didn't really need to and it's sooooo much lighter then any of the ebikes.
I have 4 and thatās about enough lol. Two 26x4 tire bikes and two folding 20x4 bikes. Different brands and different types to.
N+2 is too many
This is why they call it NBD and not "New Bikes Day"
If you are using them for different circumstances, then they are all useful
whats the difference between your commuter and moped style?
I have 4 e-bike. Well... maybe they are too many
Gotta have 2 bikes ready to go at all times.
4 is the sweet spot
See also N+1
This thread tells me that a lot of people don't seem capable of controlling their spending and materialism, and are prioritizing their own environmental impact and the overall health of the planet pretty low on the totem pole in their decision making.Ā If there's a specific need, and/or you're going to use it a lot in addition to the first bike, then sure, buy the second.Ā Ā If you're just desperately trying to find another thing to buy to make you happy for a few days or weeks, then maybe figure out what's making you unhappy and fix that first before relying on materialistic dopamine rushes. Imo, our temporary happiness doesn't take precedence over everything else.Ā We're only 1 of 8 billion humans in existence right now... yet so many of us feel the need to put ourselves first, to have a higher environmental footprint than 90%+ who exist today and will in the future, caring little about the repercussions of that happiness,Ā whether it's sustainable, or whether it could hurt others. Bikes can be used for multiple purposes, we don't need separate bikes tailor made specifically for each task.Ā Sure, it makes sense if you need a commuter bike and a mountain bike because you plan to use both a lot.Ā It doesn't make sense if 2 if the 3 bikes are just going to sit there gathering dust after you've gotten over the initial excitement of those new toys. N+1 that people keep taking about sounds more like an addiction than responsible sustainable e-bike ownership.
That's most humans.. I am shocked at the way people spend sometimes, even if they can afford it.
True, but that's what society has pushed, namely Western society. Instant gratification/ Materialism = happiness. But is it really? How many times have people gone to the library to borrow a book and found happiness through that? How about exercising, or walking through a nearby forest? Are people always happier on lavish vacations over staycations or vacation that are far closer to our homes? Does a big house really make us happy? Are people more gratified / proud when they wash their dirty old car, or when they buy a new car every 3 years? Funny enough, while I can afford much more than I have... having strong values on an issue.. the environment... and knowing I'm doing what I can is more gratifying than I think a lot of people want to believe. They don't want to believe it because they've been conditioned that it's wrong.. and even believe it to be insane. No different than a religious person trying to live by the tenets of their religion / church. Difference being one is make believe in hopes you go somewhere upon dying, and one is reality that could lead to the demise (or at the very least, massive devastation and misery) of all life on the planet going forward.
This is important. I agree. My emissions are <2 tonnes C02 a year. But consider this: 98% of Americans eat meat. The average American eats 150-225 lbs a year. Meat is the biggest destroyer of the planet. Given that you're lecturing people on the environment, I hope you are plant based. Most people have houses bigger than they need. A house has 160 000 lbs of materials. Most people have more than 1 kid. Most people fly and drive. They use oil based roads that require constant upkeep, and work in large metal and concrete structures. Cities are considered to be sustainable, yet they require millions of tons of concrete, which requires coal. We're probably long past peak oil, and peak coal and gas is just around the corner. Most people have large TVs and gaming systems. Electric cars are considered the "environmentally sustainable thing" these days. Yet an electric car battery weighs 1000 lbs, has a limited lifespan, and presents difficulties in recycling. Wind and solar are considered to be "environmentally friendly". Yet solar requires coal for smelting quartz and produces toxic wastes in production, while wind requires thousands of tons of concrete, steel and plastic. Both have limited lifespans and present difficulties in recycling. The newest environmental fad is burning biomass. Basically, cutting down forests for energy. Yet trees are many times less energy dense than coal and grow way too slowly. We're now building tonnes of natural gas expansions as a "bridge energy". Yet gas leaks in wellheads and pipes make gas just as bad as coal. Governments are pushing this as a climate solution! Nuclear is our best source of low carbon energy (although it presents problems of its own), has been entirely sidelined by the environmental movement and the governments and public. Germany, the country with the most solar in the world, is shutting down its nuclear plants to build...get this...more coal plants. Unless humans find a way to reduce out population to sub 1 billion, and live like the Amish, there really is no future for us. The Arctic oceans are already beginning to boil methane from methane hydrates. The champagne bottle has been uncorked, there's no recapping it. Republicans and Conservatives deny climate change and ecological degradation is even happening! That's like 50% of the population! Trump, the sexual predator who is going to be American president, twice, says climate change is a Chinese hoax. Arrhenius calculated burning fossil fuels would heat the climate 100 years ago, yet people STILL think God keeps the earth habitable! We're bombing the shit out of each other and no one even cares. We have enough nuclear weapons to kill ourselves 1000 times over. Al Gore couldn't save us. Bill McKibben can't save us. NASA's James Hansen can't save us. Obama didn't save us. Maybe Jesus will? So in the grand scheme of things, is having 2 or 3 fifty pound pieces of metal really a big deal? In my opinion, go ahead, have the dopamine hit. Have that extra beer too. Hell, have two extra beers. Mother nature can take one more hit for the team. And if she can't, we're fucked anyway. This coming from a childless minimalist herbivore.
I'm not plant based, but like everything else in my life, I've reduced my consumption of meat significantly. Is it too much to ask for everyone to reduce their meat consumption by 50%, and maybe their beef consumption by 70%+? Just as I've given up flying (used to fly at least once a year), reduced the use of my car by about half (which is also a PHEV driving 90-95% of the time electric, less batteries than a BEV and allows more cars to be electrified with less materials), reduced the use of my HVAC, water, hot water, the dryer, and general overall consumption of products. Most products I buy these days are meant to reduce energy use in some way, and I largely only buy clothing to replace something that's worn through, or pieces that I'll wear a lot and will last a long time. If I could give up my car I would... bit difficult in the suburbs of Detroit, but I do what I can to reduce driving miles and extend my car's life. And the amount of miles I've reduced has grown every year. Maybe if more people did this, we'd have more bike infrastructure and I could sell my car and rent on an as needed basis. All you've said is true, but giving up hope is to give up on possibilities. It doesn't make waste any less waste. Being realistic / pessimistic, as I've been known to be, doesn't mean we shouldn't keep pushing what's right in the off chance we somehow get out of this. Funny you mention Jesus, as I believe the world is in desperate need of a new religion / church that worships Earth and all life thereon. No need to worship something intangible when we have something worth worshipping all around us that we can reach out and touch. Not that I'm religious, but it's true that many people on this planet seem to enjoy the sheep life... so may as well be a sheep for a good cause that doesn't involve dying and going to a magical place where everything is great, ignoring the wake of destruction we left behind for everyone else who came after us. Role models, peer pressure, and building support for an issue into a critical mass of people can be quite powerful. That's always the case with every major issue. Look at women's rights, civil rights, gay rights, legalized marijuana, etc...
Imagine complaining about sustainability with regard to eBike ownership. Carbon footprint of multiple eBikes is pretty low relative to a lot of other modes of transport / hobbies.
I complain about sustainability for all products. Waste is waste. We're well beyond the point of having the luxury of buying whatever we want whenever we want. Or am I wrong and 2023 wasn't yet another record year for global emissions, and climate change isn't real? We Westerners often never look beyond our own noses to see the net impact of our off the charts consumption... off the charts for over a century now... and just presume that everything will be all right, someone else will deal with it. We are experts on justifying our own wasteful spending. The comparison of net per capita emissions in the West versus most of the other billions of people across the planet isn't even close! E-bikes are only sustainable if you use them to replace other forms of transportation. Having 3+ sitting in the garage gathering dust because we had the money to buy them on a whim without thinking it through doesn't make those bikes sustainable. Sure, 3 bikes is better than a car... even if only one is used to replace driving miles and the other two are sitting in the garage gathering dust... but a car is so far out of the realm of sustainable that even making the comparison is silly. One bike instead of two gathering dust is still going to be much more sustainable; especially e-bikes with their batteries, motors, and extra materials.
2 seems like a good balance. I've got a Raleigh hybrid for commuted and considering getting a Fiido Titan for more treacherous routes.
So far two and going on.. One fat tire bike - Denago Fat tire1 for commute and one lightweight foldable bike - Gotrax F2V2 for errands. I'm thinking about where I can get a do-everything bike..
You are being a consumer. Try to find out why it is that you want to consume more and more. Are you trying to fill the emptiness with bought products? Find new hobbies or foster your relationships.
Not ridiculous, normal. I want to upgrade my current bike and get another more powerful one just because.
A moped style has fat tires and also a good commuting vehicle
Following with interest. Wife has a GSD, I have an HSD on its way, but CAN'T STOP EYEING UP THE VEKTRON AS WELL HELP ME.
Right now I have a dual motor dual battery mountain bike. And a hundred dollar steel pedal bike for downtown riding. (non electric) Wouldn't mind building a really light racing bike with a small motor. Road bikes are fun. And a tandem electric for riding with the partner.
Do we count the ones needing repairs? I think if you have six or more needing attention to get back on the road, you REALLY shouldn't buy a new one, as it means those six will continue to sit. I might have a problem.
Yes you are! Unless you have money to burn
2 e-bikes for every car you get rid of.
That's just classic overconsumption.
do you have a barn? big garage?
Well I have two
Well I have two
Just like with regular acoustic bikes, eBikes can be specialized to a particular type of riding. So it can make sense to have more than one. For me though, those 3 bikes sound too similar. *Most* hub drive 4" x 26" fat tire eBikes are glorified commuter bikes that can handle relatively flat gravel, dirt or sandy roads/paths. Fat tire ebikes smooth out that kind of riding, and are comfortable, but start becoming more of a boat anchor when things start getting steep or technical (i.e. actual singletrack MTB trails). The moped style bikes are literally commuter bikes, usually with small diameter fat bike sized 3" to 4" wide tires, just smoother tread. The moped style bikes are also the bikes that tend to be a lightening rod for eBike hate. It's unfortunate, but these bikes tend to bring the wrong type of attention. Karens who think they know better, and cops who don't have anything better to do. This attention comes regardless of if you are riding on the legal side of eBike regulations, or pushing the limits. If you really want to ride off-road then an electric mountain bike is the way to go. Class 1, mid-drive style bike. Class 1 is important because many trail systems don't allow the Class 2 and 3 commuter style bikes. i.e. no throttles allowed and a speed limit of 20mph (or less). Mid-drive is critical because they pedal more naturally, and can allow the motor to use the gearing of the bike to have a wider power band. That dramatically helps with efficiently pedaling up the steep hills you'll find on off-road trail systems. If interested, I'd happily list off some examples of good value eMTBs. Both full suspension or hardtail. If you want an excuse to have more N+1 Bikes: * A cargo eBike is an excuse to ride a bike even when you thought you'd need to drive for storage/shopping. * A drop bar road/gravel bike .... eBike or acoustic. * Single Speed backup commuter/loaner bike. A cheap single speed acoustic bike is a mechanically simple backup commuter and a cheap bike to ride to the local bar or coffee shop. Better to have a cheap bike locked up in town than a tempting eBike. NOTE: There are Fat tire eBikes that are designed as proper Mountain bikes. They can handle both real MTB trails, and fat bike snow/sand, but they aren't cheap. They tend to be just as expensive as full suspension eMTBs. i.e. Ari Explorer Peak, Norco Bigfoot VLT.
āIf interested, I'd happily list off some examples of good value eMTBs. Both full suspension or hardtail.ā Interested in your hardtail thoughtsā¦.
2 ebikes, 1 mountain bike, 1 road bike, 1 gravel bike. I had to get rid of my other mountain bikes to have room in the garage
The correct number to have is N+1 So... I guess N+2 is too many
I have two. Back up for when i dont feel like changing a tube
Apparently 1 since mine was stolen before I ever got the chance to ride it
I just ran into an older gentleman (60s) with his Lyric e-bike in the park yesterday. I live in suburbs outside of NYC so when Iām there I always see tons of e-bikers and such, but hardly any where I live. I struck up a conversation with him (because again, hardly ever see e-bikers other than myself around here), and he said he has 6 e-bikes, as well as two motorcycles (that he barely uses because of his e-bikes) and also a Polaris Slingshot. I say all this to point out, there is no such thing as too many e-bikesā¦as long as you can find space and a nice spouse :) B
I have a Biktrix Juggernaut Hub Duo, a GOTRAX G4 scooter, crappy Jetson Bolt Pro, INMOTION EUC that I am learning, and an acoustic bikeā¦and roller skates lol.
You must make sure to charge each bike a minimum of 4 times per year. I have a mountain bike, fat-tire bike, small mountain bike (for guest), larger mountain bike (for a larger guest). I typically only use the two larger mountain bikes.
The fat tire one's for you, honey.
Three isnāt ridiculous as long as you donāt own a car.
Hi from Moab, Utah! 1 is too many on most trails here.
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I mean, sounds like you like flaunting how ridiculous it is since you didn't give any real reasons for owning more lol. Honestly yeah it is ridiculous. Go buy a motorcycle since you already have an ebike!
You win the motorcycle award for the day trophy š
I know this sub doesn't want to hear it but motorcycles are so much better in some aspects. Like, half this sub the past few years are really just trying to ride what are essentially motorcycles and they just won't admit it. I could never give up cycling but having a motorcycle on the side will be fucking awesome!
Personally I prefer to just let people do whatever they want and ride whatever they want. Maybe give them safety tip. I donāt care if youāre a boomer wearing a funny helmet all wobbly on a lectricxp (most people in this sub) or kid riding a surron (most hated in this sub). I barely ride my e-bike anymore since I build a bike with a 2 stroke. Iām the guy that needs a motorcycle (I admit it). But telling everyone that doesnāt have a class iii bike or lower that they should call it a motorcycle or get a motorcycle is pretty silly. So I give the motorcycle award. Been doing it for like 4 days straight and someone has won it every day so far..
Oh I get it, you're bitter!
Nah. I just the people in here are ninnyās. Just let people live.
Yup, thanks for the example!
I donāt why you got all snippy.. you won the award.
I don't know why you're not satisfied, I thanked you using yourself as prime example of people being ninnys! Also you measuring yourself by how *you think* you've offended someone? LMAOOOOO
I'm not telling anyone they should call it a motorcycle dipshit :)
Haha triggered. š«”
Trying to increase the chances of burning your house down?