Sunder
10 MW
Hey guys,
Trying to keep it short while explaining my needs. But I just got a new job that's 18km away. (About 11 miles). The ride is from 60m above sea level, to basically sea level. (And of course, return) Steepest hill is about 9%, but only very short. (80ish meters?).
I put my old eBike away for a while. Pulled it out tonight, and remembered how much the bike was built on a budget, for a purpose. (Maybe that's why I had my signature the way it was) Last time I used it, I was only 10km from work, and although I tuned it up to be able to hit 48km/h or so on the flat, it really wasn't designed for that. No suspension, narrow tyres, V-brakes, and a Cute Q100C. I recall doing most the trip around 25 km/h, and only using the higher speeds for short bursts, like when I was in traffic. The bike didn't feel entirely stable, and I burned a couple motors out trying to keep the 45km/h speed all the way.
Anyway, new job doesn't offer parking - not even motorcycle parking, so I am thinking of using an eBike again, but this time, the journey is nearly twice as long, and I want to go higher sustained speed so it doesn't take too long to get to work. I earn more now, and can afford quality. Of course quality means both better built, but also more fit for the job.
So... What makes a good commuter? And why? When you look up commuter bikes, they are all effectively flat bar road bikes with a more comfortable position, and slightly wider tyres/wheels for safety. But they probably don't expect people to be doing constant 45km/h+
So, what makes a good commuter at 45km/h? I can pretty much build anything these days. I've been working on an Electric Motorcycle, building batteries, modifying chargers, etc. have a 3D printer and access to a CNC mill. Sky's the limit in terms of the electric side and customisation. But I've never really learned much about push bikes themselves. E.g.:
On quality tarmac, (there are potholes, but they're not big) does suspension make a difference? Just Front? Both?
Road bikes seem to very rarely have disc brakes, but hybrids do. So it doesn't seem like speed is the reason to get disc brakes. Is it dirt/water? Is it worth the extra money?
I've also heard very good things about IGHs with Belt drives for commuters. Very reliable, quiet, etc - at least until they go wrong, then you're up for big money. Any thoughts? Worth it?
Appreciate the feedback.
Trying to keep it short while explaining my needs. But I just got a new job that's 18km away. (About 11 miles). The ride is from 60m above sea level, to basically sea level. (And of course, return) Steepest hill is about 9%, but only very short. (80ish meters?).
I put my old eBike away for a while. Pulled it out tonight, and remembered how much the bike was built on a budget, for a purpose. (Maybe that's why I had my signature the way it was) Last time I used it, I was only 10km from work, and although I tuned it up to be able to hit 48km/h or so on the flat, it really wasn't designed for that. No suspension, narrow tyres, V-brakes, and a Cute Q100C. I recall doing most the trip around 25 km/h, and only using the higher speeds for short bursts, like when I was in traffic. The bike didn't feel entirely stable, and I burned a couple motors out trying to keep the 45km/h speed all the way.
Anyway, new job doesn't offer parking - not even motorcycle parking, so I am thinking of using an eBike again, but this time, the journey is nearly twice as long, and I want to go higher sustained speed so it doesn't take too long to get to work. I earn more now, and can afford quality. Of course quality means both better built, but also more fit for the job.
So... What makes a good commuter? And why? When you look up commuter bikes, they are all effectively flat bar road bikes with a more comfortable position, and slightly wider tyres/wheels for safety. But they probably don't expect people to be doing constant 45km/h+
So, what makes a good commuter at 45km/h? I can pretty much build anything these days. I've been working on an Electric Motorcycle, building batteries, modifying chargers, etc. have a 3D printer and access to a CNC mill. Sky's the limit in terms of the electric side and customisation. But I've never really learned much about push bikes themselves. E.g.:
On quality tarmac, (there are potholes, but they're not big) does suspension make a difference? Just Front? Both?
Road bikes seem to very rarely have disc brakes, but hybrids do. So it doesn't seem like speed is the reason to get disc brakes. Is it dirt/water? Is it worth the extra money?
I've also heard very good things about IGHs with Belt drives for commuters. Very reliable, quiet, etc - at least until they go wrong, then you're up for big money. Any thoughts? Worth it?
Appreciate the feedback.