EarthDayLbk 2024: Stealthy & Low $ e-Bikes

If you're interested in making Lubbock a healthier place to live, please attend. (earthdaylbk.com)

So, let's say that you are e-bike curious, but you're struggling with the whole idea of being seen as an e-cyclist, or you just think e-bikes are hideous. (Some of them really are.)

Maybe you've heard it said that e-bikes are a form of cheating, and you can maybe see the point. And, yes, if you are competing with people on non-e-bikes, you probably are cheating. Stop being a jerk. Just go find some e-bikers and compete with them. Problem solved.

On the other hand, if you're riding an e-bike to (work, school, errands, hang out, etc.), you really are cheating. Here's a short list of the groups you are cheating:

• the petroleum industry
• the automobile industry
• cardiologists
• endocrinologists
• the DMV
• that voice in the back of your head that says you'll never go anywhere

I don't know about you, but I think I can justify that kind of cheating and sleep well (even better) at night.

Or maybe you just love the simple aesthetic of a non-electric bicycle and can't stand the thought of the extra bulk and overall clunkiness getting in the way of your idyllic riding experience.

Well, regardless of your reason for not wanting to be seen on an e-bike, I have an eye-opening list for you! This is a list of (reasonably attainable) e-bikes that look like regular bikes. I don't know if riding them will make you feel like a cheater, but you sure won't look like one. (And you know how vain we cyclists are.)

Click on each pic to visit that bike on the web.

Bikes under $1500

I've seen this bike in person and it's impressive. If you're looking for simple, light (Only 33 pounds!), cheap, stealthy, and super-low maintenance, this thing is amazing. More advanced riders may want to look for a bike with more gear choices, but this thing is rock-solid for uncomplicated commuting on a budget.

 

I've not seen this model in person, but I've seen some others and have been impressed with the finish and build quality. The owners have spoken highly of their bikes and have no buyer's remorse. For two hundred more than the Roadster V2 you give up the belt drive; however, you gain a seven-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. Not bad.

Fiido is a company I know very little about, but they have an impressive range of bikes and lots of techno-perks. (It's the first company that I've seen offer a fitness-tracking/bike-unlocking smartwatch as an optional accessory.) It does have hydraulic disc brakes and a 5-speed drivetrain. You can even order an external battery to extend your range. Definitely worth a look. It's very similar to the Aventon above and costs the same.

The first of 2 from Velotric. The T1 ST is also quite similar to the two above it. It costs $100 more and weighs a little less. Velotric has a good reputation and reviews. I really like the minimalist electronic controls. The lower top-bar should make this one a little easier to ride if you have a shorter inseam, and it comes in two different frame sizes. The drivetrain is an 8-speed Shimano setup. It is a very nice bike for the money.

The middle-child of Ride1Up's stealthy bike is a nicely upgraded version of the Roadster V2 that started this list. This one has wider/cushier gravel tires, slightly lower gearing, and mechanical disc brakes. The Gravel model still has the belt drive system and still weighs less than most of the bikes we've seen so far. The one drawback I see here is the lack of a multi-speed drivetrain. If you ride on mostly flat ground (like we do here in Lubbock) that should not be much of a problem, but if you live in a hilly area, you might consider a different bike.

Bikes Over $1500

The following bikes jump up at least $500 but are still considered inexpensive in the e-bike market - especially when you consider the materials, components, and design work that has gone into them. These are significantly different than the bikes above. 

Above all the other bikes here, this is the one I drool over. The Luna Stealth is the only one that has a mid-drive motor. The others all have rear hub motors. This is also the only bike that offers a belt drive and a multi-speed drivetrain. The frame is aluminum. In spite of all it has packed into it, The Fixed still weighs under 40 pounds. It comes in three sizes. It's fast, simple, and designed for super-low maintenance. Very few people will have any idea this bike is an-bike, but the rider will definitely feel the difference. It's just oh so cool!

This Velotric T1 is gorgeous! The designers put in a lot work keeping it stealthy and light. The frame is hydro-formed aluminun. The cables are all routed out of sight. The control panel blends into the frame. It only weighs 36 pounds. The components are higher quality than most on this page. If you want the classiest of the bunch, check this one out!

The most expensive bike on this page is one the least expensive bikes you will find with a carbon-fiber frame. At 28. pounds, this the lightest bike on the page, and most likely the fastest. The CF Racer1 is rated as a Class3 e-bike which means it can run up to 28mph with electric assist. Stronger riders should be able to pedal it to much higher speeds. It has an eleven-speed SRAM drivetrain and a very aggressive riding position. It probably doesn't belong on this list, but it is quite a bargain for such an exotic machine and it sure doesn't look like it's electric.

That's it - the end of the list of e-bikes that look like non e-bikes. It's not an exhaustive list, but it should be enough to start you off on a stealthy e-bike quest. Happy hunting and safe riding, my friend!

Earth Day on Broadway 2022 Follow-up: Bummer, man! What's up with this weather?

Oh, so close! (Click pic for previous post)

Into each life, a little rain must fall - unless you live around here.

I love Earth Day! Any time a whole lot of people deliberately gather to share and encourage ways to make things better for the earth and for all the creatures (people included) who live here, I am a truly happy mesquite hugger.

[As I write this post there are two guys, one with a gas-powered weed-eater and the other with a gas-powered leaf blower just giving it hell outside my window.]

But here's the kicker, for exactly the reason we need Earth Day to help us heal our struggling planet, we ended up having to cancel the Earth Day celebration.

South Lubbock, 4/25/2022

Yes, much of Texas is once again in severe drought and Lubbock is definitely there. This has been a windier than normal April with browner than normal skies. An hour before the celebration was to begin, the wind was 30mph, the sky was the color of Folger's Instant with a dash of original Coffee Mate. There was a higher than normal chance of rain, but nary a mudball fell from the sky. The conditions downtown were not fit for man nor beast nor prairie dog.

What's Plainview got to do with this? (Click pic for video.)

Just as the climate scientists over at Texas Tech have been telling us loudly for a few decades, if we continue to abuse our home by releasing too much carbon and if we continue destroying the natural systems that normally work at healing our environment, our climate will become increasingly inhospitable. This year's Earth Day celebration in Lubbock was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions. Yes, it is a bit ironic, but no, it's no surprise.

So, yes, I was a little disappointed. The more I had prepared the more excited I grew. I had put together the (previous) post, borrowed an awning and two really cool e-bikes, given my own e-bike its first bath in a few years, and created a sign with a QR code. (You know it's serious when I bust out a QR code.) I'd even figured out how to haul all that stuff with the family truckster. Then again, the journey is often better than the destination. It felt great doing Mesquite-Hugger-y things and being a little fish in the Lubbock Earth Day playa lake.

So, thank you to Barbara, Miola, Kaitlyn, and all the others who worked very hard on what promised to be a great event. I very much hope to work with you again next year!

May you all be well and striving for better.

Earth Day on Broadway: Lubbock e-Bike Presentation 2022 (Updated for November 19th)

I was invited to have an informational booth at Lubbock's Earth Day Celebration. This page is a supplement for that presentation.

A quick guide to this post:

Part 1 provides information about the current e-Bikes available to consumers.

Part 2 offers info and personal advice about owning and riding a bike here in Lubbock.

Disclaimer: Mesquite Hugger is just a no-profit blog, not a business. I do not sell, service, or build e-bikes.

If you happen to read this before Earth Day 2022, please swing by the booth in downtown Lubbock on the southwest corner of Broadway and Avenue K between 6 and 9pm.

Since the focus of Earth Day is to be Earth-Friendly, the booth (and this post) will center on using the e-bike to replace trips that would normally be taken on/in less eco-friendly transport.

PART 1: e-Bike Info and Resources

Great Sites for Learning More about Electric Bikes

Electrek is my favorite source for EV news, especially Micah Toll's e-Bike posts.

Electrek e-Bike page

An updated look at what is available in November 2022

If you want a place to check out all the e-bikes available in the US, EBR is a great place to learn.

Electric Bike Review

For those of you itching to build your own e-Bike, Endless Sphere is a treasure trove of answered questions and advice.

Endless Sphere EV Forum

Another great place to learn about building your own e-bike is the Johnny Nerd-Out YouTube Channel and/or website.

Johnny Nerd-Out website (click the pic for the YouTube channel)

Mid/Low-Cost Commuter e-Bike Companies with a Solid Reputation ($900-$2500)

Click images to visit websites

Rad Power Bikes has become the biggest e-bike seller in the states by offering solid bikes at competitive prices and by offering excellent service. I always feel comfortable recommending RPB as a great place to start. (I will always want a first-gen RadWagon.)

A few images from my Radwagon Greatest Hits post

Ride1Up is very new on the scene but offers some great prices on bikes that are very well-equipped. I have two friends in town who ride them and rave about them! (I will have one on display at the booth.)

Another newer company on the scene. Blix has also quickly gained a solid reputation for offering dependable commuters at good prices.

Another company known for great commuters at low prices, Aventon e-Bikes are a solid choice. 

Juiced Bikes has been around for years. They are known for their constantly evolving models, high performance options, and some really big batteries! (I've been riding a Juiced bike for four years and have been very impressed with its build quality, dependability, and value. It will be on display at the booth.) (Update - Be sure to check out the $999 RipRacer - I want one!)

Sondors started out as a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign that sold one fat-tired e-bike at an impossibly low price. From there the company has bloomed into a wide range of e-bikes, an e-motorcycle, and they've been working for a number of years on a 3-wheeled electric car. (We will have a Sondors X on display in our booth.)

And a few more cool bikes to check out:

Vanmoof: If you like top-of-the-line electronic gadgets, this is the coolest of all commuter bikes. (And they are surprisingly affordable for such a cool machine.)

A runaway success story from the past year, the $999 Lectric XP - and they just announced a second model that sells for just $799. I've spotted four of them running around Lubbock this spring.

The Luna Stealth - a very light and very stealthy roadster from Lunacycle - a company that specializes in high-power, high-quality, mid-drive bikes and DIY components.

The Zooz comes in versions from mild to scary. Ten-year-old-BMXer-me desperately wants one as a play bike - but stuffy-boring-old-dull-guy-me doesn't think it'd be much of a commuter.

For those who want a very different bike with a cult following, check out the Super73 lineup.

If you are the person who wants an e-bike from the Lone Star State or wants something closer to motorcycle, check out the Volcon Brat from Austin.

PART 2: e-Bikes in Lubbock and Mesquite Hugger Info and e-Bike Advice

Where can you check out some e-Bikes here in Lubbock?

Both DFC Cycles and Velocity Bikes here in Lubbock carry e-bikes. I've seen prices ranging from $1500 (commuters and comfort bikes) up to $8000 (high-end mountain bikes). Both shops also offer great service - a huge advantage over a mail-order bike. Be sure to check them out before you order anything online.

Why am I the the guy in the e-Bike booth?

The short answer: I am a hard-core e-bike geek. 

The longer answer: I have been building, riding, and obsessing over electric bikes since 2010. I published my first e-bike blog post in 2013. The more I ride an e-bike, the more I like e-bikes. For the last four years I have been riding a $1200 e-bike and have spent less than $100 maintaining it.

Pics from the first Mesquite Hugger e-Bike post (August 2013)

I do not think everyone should ride an e-bike, but I do believe it is the cheapest, healthiest, and most fun way to get around town - especially for trips of five miles or less.

The Top 10 Mesquite Hugger Reasons for Commuting on an e-Bike

1. It really is great exercise. At 54, I weigh less and have better endurance than I did at 40.
2. I look forward to a bike commute. I dread car commutes.
3. No insurance, registration, or inspection.
4. Charging my e-bike costs less the $1 per month in electricity.
5. E-bikes take away so many analog bike TOO excuses: too windy, too hilly, too slow, too sweaty, too far...
6. No gas pumps. (Charge at home, work, or wherever you find a plug in.)
7. Pedal assist feels like a magic hand pushing you along!
8. Endorphins are the best! I arrive at my destination smiling - not cursing!
9. I know the world is a healthier place each time I choose the e-bike over the car.
10. And, of course, it gives me a little more street cred' as the Mesquite Hugger!

Even more for you crazy people who've read all the way down here: 

(Everything below is from a similar post for the National Solar Tour last year)

More Advantages of Commuting on an e-Bike

This may sound counter-intuitive, but study after study has shown that e-bikes (with pedal assist) have an equal or greater impact on a person's health when compared to riding a non-electric bike. How is that? Well, the e-bike encourages a person to ride more often and further. For people with joint and pain issues, the e-bike helps level out the strain. Riding on a regular basis is shown to improve cardiovascular and mental health as well.

Read it here

When I started commuting on an e-bike, I did not have the health or stamina to ride a non-electric bike. These days, I commute on the e-bike but ride a standard bike for recreation and for trips under three miles.

Tips specifically for suburban commuting (Lubbock, TX)

Avoid school traffic whether by route or schedule

Riding near schools can be hectic. Stressed out parents and/or teen-aged drivers all rushing to the same place at the same time - that is no place to be. Sometimes leaving five minutes earlier (or later) can make all the difference in your stress level.

Ride humbly

Sure, the right of way may be yours, but the law of physics leans toward the F250s and Escalades. In fact, even the Slug Bugs and Smart Cars won't be intimidated by the likes of you and your bike. Your goal is to arrive alive and joyful - middle fingers never help.   

Ride decisively

Signal your intentions to turn, take your turn at four-way stops, take the lane if you're turning left. Car drivers don't like a wishy-washy cyclist any more than they do a wishy-washy driver.

Work at being seen

Admittedly, everyone looks dorky in high-viz clothing, but I see a noticeable difference on days when I wear a reflective vest. My commute takes me across several of the busiest streets in town and the combination of vest and bike lights help no what time of day (or night).

(Choose to) Enjoy the ride!

Your attitude determines the quality of your ride as much as any other element. There are days I take off in a foul mood, but the bike offers time to look around and count my blessings. Sunrises, sunsets, birds, flowers - unexpected beauty and humor have ways of finding people on bikes. Keep your eyes open.

Let your bike carry the weight - not your neck and shoulders.

Bike racks, bags, and baskets go a long way in making bike commutes more pleasant. Also, you'll be surprised how often you'll need to haul something you did not plan for.

Tips for upgrading your bike (electric or not) for commuting

• racks, bags, and baskets (see above)
  
• lights - for seeing as well as being seen. I like small and inexpensive but powerful, USB rechargeable lights that remove easily (for charging or swapping to different bikes.)
• Thorn-resistant tubes - very few new bikes come with these installed. Do yourself a favor and swap these before your first ride. Flats really suck!

Okay, that's enough for now. Whew, if feels good to get that off my chest!

May you enjoy the ride while creating a healthier world for all! (Let me know if you have questions I did not answer.)

Friday Carbon-Neutral Commute: No Electric Car Required

It is a cold and damp morning here in Lubbock. I got up. Looked at the weather, had a talk with myself, and chose the e-bike.

This morning's coffee

The five-mile ride to work was cold and damp. I arrived at work with a smile on my face and feeling more energized. Yes, the bike creates a few more hassles, but the experience, the exercise, and the lack of climate destruction are more than worth it for this less-than-trim blogger.

May we all find places to choose better and truly enjoy the ride!

Friday Pics the Mesquite Hugger

It's Friday! I thought I'd share a few pics for the faithful.

 

Never a dull sky around here!

This Benelli e-bike was parked outside the coffee today.

4 snowy egrets and a black-capped night heron in one pic!

The first new Nissan Leaf I've spotted in the wild.

 

May all the goodness appear in your path too!

Even More 2017 Ebikes (Kits) on Holiday Sale - Copenhagen Wheel and E-BikeKit

[Alternative Title: Free Pants from Superpedestrian!]

 

Two more e-bike companies have offered up holiday deals, so I figured I'd share them with you:

 

Copenhagen Wheel

 

Wheel start with the Copenhagen We'll. The deal is this - buy a Copenhagen Wheel at full price and they'll attach that wheel to a kilt, pair of skinny jeans, or a pair of trousers. That's a $500 savings. (No, they're not actual articles of clothing intended to cover your privates - they are bikes named after articles of clothing intended to cover your privates.) The trick to getting your free bike is in the first line of the following image:

 

Everyone needs a button that says Buy the Trousers.

 

My Christmas wish - for Superpedestrian to offer this bike as the Whitey Tightey!

 

E-BikeKit

E-BikeKit's fun whiteboard video - "Slap this puppy on!"

 

Luckily for them (and you, Dear Reader), it's gonna be much harder to poke fun (throw shade?) at E-BikeKit. If you're not familiar with them, they are a well-respected vendor of (you guessed it) e-bike kits, and are known for great support through the whole process. They are not known for being cheap, but they are known for delivering a very dependable product. And, they have everything on sale for 25% off. Again, check the image below for the trick to getting your savings.

 

That's it for today. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may we create a healthier world (and even more to be thankful for.)

More 2017 Ebikes on Holiday Sale - RadPower (Minipost)

Yep, the Radwagon of my dreams (and the whole 2017 Rad lineup) is on sale.

 

Rad Power has done some upgrades and redesigns on all of their bikes, so they're discounting the 2017s to make room for the new stuff. Most of the upgrades are small, but the Radwagon gets a new aluminum frame and the RadCity is now available as a step-through.)

 

Below are the sale details:

 

Woohoo!

The new Radwagon in town

 

The Old Model - $300 discount!

(I like the looks of the old one better.)

 

 

The other big news at Rad Power - the RadCity Step-Thru!

(On the right)

 

Yep, these are some tempting prices on very solid bikes from a vendor with a very good reputation. And (if you live in the contiguous 48 or Canada) you get free shipping!

 

Sigh...

 

If you've been looking for a good deal on a ready-built e-bike (especially an e-cargo-bike), now's the time!

 

May the e-bike of your dreams cure your gas-powered headaches!