patience_limited's recent activity
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentI wish the great Terry Liberator seat from my old bike would work for both of us, and upright riding... I'm trying to keep the main focus on commuting, but part of safest route for our trips to...I wish the great Terry Liberator seat from my old bike would work for both of us, and upright riding...
I'm trying to keep the main focus on commuting, but part of safest route for our trips to work involves cutting through dirt/gravel trails. Otherwise, it's poorly maintained shoulders on 45/55 m.p.h. roads. And the streets are mighty bumpy, with significant hills... It's a real Swiss Army knife problem finding a single bike (and seat) style that will handle everything for two creaky people with different plumbing.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentThank you for the recommendation on the Ride1Up bike, and seatpost suspension. That might be a required add-on if my spouse will be riding, since he's got more shoulder/back issues to worry about...Thank you for the recommendation on the Ride1Up bike, and seatpost suspension. That might be a required add-on if my spouse will be riding, since he's got more shoulder/back issues to worry about than I do.
I'm at the point now where I'll have to see what's available for testing locally, so we've got a better idea as to whether to stay with a standard step-through frame or some of the more scooter/cruiser-like styles.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentI looked again at the frame geometry of the Priority Current, and it's off the table, unfortunately. It's more of a midstep frame than step-through. Even the small size has a 22" tall base. I can...I looked again at the frame geometry of the Priority Current, and it's off the table, unfortunately. It's more of a midstep frame than step-through. Even the small size has a 22" tall base. I can do it, but there's a review from another shorter user who says they struggle with tilting the heavy frame to step over.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentThere's a local dealer for Aventon, so I'll definitely check it out. Thank you!There's a local dealer for Aventon, so I'll definitely check it out. Thank you!
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentThank you for the recommendation. I took a look at Ampler just now, and it concerns me that they're not transparent about the parts they're using. Very attractive and light bikes, but they seem...Thank you for the recommendation. I took a look at Ampler just now, and it concerns me that they're not transparent about the parts they're using. Very attractive and light bikes, but they seem designed for better-maintained European roads. I know I'm making a trade of power without pedalling (standard gears and throttle) for the easy maintenance of a belt and CVT, but I'm used to pedal-starting from a stop. That might be more of a challenge with a 60 lb. bike, so I'm just going to have to try it and find out.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentThank you for the recommendation! I'm in typical Michigan road territory, so potholes, cracks, bumps, old Victorian brick pavers, and road salt residue are par for the course. I think front...Thank you for the recommendation! I'm in typical Michigan road territory, so potholes, cracks, bumps, old Victorian brick pavers, and road salt residue are par for the course. I think front suspension and 2" tires will handle what I'm likely to encounter for purposes of protecting my hands and wrists. I can add seatpost suspension if needed.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentI appreciate the thought, but $6,000 is into used car territory! I'm just starting out on e-bikes, the technology is changing rapidly, and I'd prefer not to commit that much money right now.I appreciate the thought, but $6,000 is into used car territory! I'm just starting out on e-bikes, the technology is changing rapidly, and I'd prefer not to commit that much money right now.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited (edited )Link ParentI appreciate the concern. I used to be handy, but I'm not sure I could wrestle tires off rims unassisted these days. /u/Baeocystin suggested tire slime, and I'm all about prevention... I can...I appreciate the concern. I used to be handy, but I'm not sure I could wrestle tires off rims unassisted these days. /u/Baeocystin suggested tire slime, and I'm all about prevention... I can twiddle a wrench to tighten a seatpost collar, just not anything that would require both force and dexterity, like remounting a chain. That's why I'm looking at a belt drive and sealed motor/CVT.
Fortunately, my legs are in good shape. I shouldn't have more trouble moving a 70 lb. bike uphill than a garden wheelbarrow with 250 lb. of compost. The routes I'm planning to use are urban/suburban or a very popular paved and groomed trail system, so it's unlikely I'd get into difficulties without any help available.
40 °F weather won't see me out on a bicycle, at least without heated gloves. I've got other commuting options available.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited (edited )Link ParentThank you very much for the recommendations! The only things militating against the Priority Current are the lack of front suspension and sizing problems mentioned below. I could get a suspension...Thank you very much for the recommendations!
The only things militating against the Priority Current are the lack of front suspension and sizing problems mentioned below. I could get a suspension fork aftermarket, but it seems like a peculiar design omission for that model.
I'd like to avoid exceeding $3k USD. I did look at the available Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized models with the designs I'm seeking.
Aside from somewhat lower power/range/technology specs for the money, Cannondale, Trek, and Specialized don't seem to have a stepthrough frame size with a seatpost/handlebars that could adjust to fit both me (5' 4", 29" inseam) and my spouse (5' 10", 31" inseam). It may be that they're avoiding ergonomic concessions made in lower-end designs, but I'd like to try the Ride1Up Prodigy V2 model to confirm whether it actually fits both of us.
OTOH, the short warranty and high return costs for the Ride1Up really expose what's buried in premium brands' higher prices...
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited (edited )Link ParentThank you for the detailed reply! I'd done some reading on folding bikes, and thought the tradeoffs on wheel size and durability might not be worthwhile. I'm not expecting to carry a bike on...Thank you for the detailed reply! I'd done some reading on folding bikes, and thought the tradeoffs on wheel size and durability might not be worthwhile. I'm not expecting to carry a bike on public transit or into the office. It's useful to know that the RadPower brand is trustworthy.
I've never ridden a fat tire bike, and I imagine it would feel very different from what I was used to. Do you feel like it's more stable, and worth the increased road friction?
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Comment on What are three things you're feeling positively about today? in ~talk
patience_limited (edited )LinkI saw the rheumatologist and got labs done this week. He thinks I've achieved the desired low disease activity with current meds, no more signs of toxic side effects, and things should be stable...-
I saw the rheumatologist and got labs done this week. He thinks I've achieved the desired low disease activity with current meds, no more signs of toxic side effects, and things should be stable for a while. The improvement feels miraculous. I rocked weightlifting yesterday, all my lifts up 5 - 10% in weight or duration, and I woke up feeling good, without aches.
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After rainstorms early this morning, it turned into an utterly glorious spring day. I got to spend time driving around lovely countryside with my ever-patient spouse, who's barely seen me all week. The cherry and pink crabapple trees and other flowers are in full bloom, the vistas are too stunning for words.
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We found a couple of new secondhand stores and got some really great bargains on nice spring/summer clothes.
Bonus: Got a shout-out at work for solving a problem that allowed success in a high-profile project, and future similar projects. That's helping to resolve job security worries.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentOne of the things I didn't think about that's really going to come in handy - the current step-through commuter bikes adapt to a greater range of rider sizes than step-over frames. It turns out...One of the things I didn't think about that's really going to come in handy - the current step-through commuter bikes adapt to a greater range of rider sizes than step-over frames. It turns out that my spouse, who's 6" taller, would be able to ride the same frame size as I need in most of the bikes I was looking at.
Since the e-bike would be our second vehicle, and we both have about the same commute length, the versatile frame will make it easier to swap car and bike as needed.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited (edited )Link ParentI appreciate the advice. DIY tinkering would have delighted me, but my hands aren't very strong or agile anymore, and I need to be protective of their remaining function. Local bike shop labor is...I appreciate the advice. DIY tinkering would have delighted me, but my hands aren't very strong or agile anymore, and I need to be protective of their remaining function. Local bike shop labor is very expensive.
I have a well-loved old Cannondale road bike that I thought about converting. Unfortunately, it's exactly wrong for what I need now - full stepover, forward riding position, no suspension, narrow-gauge wheels, cleated pedals, mechanical brakes and derailleur, etc. Even without those faults, I wouldn't feel safe upgrading a lightweight frame to go at powered speeds. [Know anyone who wants a well-maintained old-fashioned mid-range touring bike, circa 2005, 28" frame?]
Since have to invest in a whole new bike anyway, my inclination is to get a proper package with compatible parts. Electric Bike Company offers a variety of manufacturer customizations for several styles of upright ride, including Dutch-style handlebars, seat with back bar, and so on. It's going to feel weird to ride in a position with maximum wind resistance, though.
The site you linked does make the excellent point that current batteries have a 4 - 6 year life expectancy. Sleek integrated batteries limit the life of the bike to its manufacturer's long term viability. I'll keep that in mind.
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Comment on E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs in ~transport
patience_limited Link ParentThat's actually extra funny because I was in an aquatics rehab class with a group of substantially older people at the time of my first hip replacement. They called me "Bionic Woman" afterward...That's actually extra funny because I was in an aquatics rehab class with a group of substantially older people at the time of my first hip replacement. They called me "Bionic Woman" afterward because it made such a huge difference.
Seriously, I'm not too impaired to bicycle for distance on a stationary bike, and I'd really like to get back to riding if I can.
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Comment on Recipes for chicken thighs in ~food
patience_limited Link ParentI'd try mincing the olives or blending them to a paste - there's not really a 1:1 replacement for the flavor and salt content. Green Castelvetrano olives have a very mild, buttery flavor;...I'd try mincing the olives or blending them to a paste - there's not really a 1:1 replacement for the flavor and salt content.
Green Castelvetrano olives have a very mild, buttery flavor; oil-cured olives also lack most of the bitterness that brined calamari olives contribute.
The traditional alternative would be the slightly sweet tagine with apricots, but I like the flavor of the lemon and olives better.
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E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs
I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions... I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of...
I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions...
I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of the route is on unpaved but graded park trails, otherwise paved (sometimes very bumpy) streets and sidewalks. I don't anticipate using the bike for heavy cargo, rough trails or long powered rides, but wouldn't mind working up to 30 mi/50 km trips with partial assists.
The primary goal is a safe, stable ride that gets me to work reliably without leaving me too banged up.
Requirements:
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Major assistance with steep hills. Though I've rebuilt decent endurance and muscle strength, I've got two artificial hips, and occasional inflammation in knees, ankles, and feet that makes powering up a long incline painful.
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Suspension fork and relatively upright riding position. Even with gel gloves, bumps and bangs through a rigid frame and forward leaning will wreck my wrists and hands quickly.
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Step-through frame. Thanks to hip replacements, my balance and range of motion aren't all they could be.
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Local service availability. Fortunately, I'm in a town with great (if expensive) bike shops.
Nice to have:
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60 lbs. or less. I don't expect to wrestle the bike up/down stairs or into vehicles frequently. It's more a question of being able to propel it under my own power most of the time and carry it on a standard car rack. I've looked at e-trikes for stability, but they're too heavy and cumbersome.
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Hydraulic disc brakes, belt drive and sealed motor hub (expensive but cleaner for commuting and lower maintenance), torque sensor.
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Integrated lights.
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Fenders, chain guard, rear rack, kickstand, phone holder included or available at reasonable cost.
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Visual appeal - colors, not too obvious battery, etc.
Overnight recharge is fine, the battery doesn't have to be removable.
Possibilities so far:
Priority Current (via Costco). review,
review
Con:- Rigid frame
- Complaints about required pedalling and power distribution on hills
Pro:
- Meets most of the requirements
- Model has been out for a few years with an established track record
- Well-reviewed
RadPower Radster Road Regular review, review
Pro:- Checks all requirements
- Safety emphasis
Con:
- Heavy (78 lbs.)
Electric Bike Company Model E or R
review, review
Pro:- Extensive customization available
Con:
- Cruiser style less likely to be comfortable for long rides
- Model R is 78 lbs.
Ride1Up 700 Series ST review, review
Pro:- Inexpensive
- Meets most requirements
Con:
- Assembly difficulties reported, no local dealer
Aventon Level.2 Step-through review, review
This is still early research... but more questions:
- What am I failing to consider?
- What's an appropriate price point to look at for my requirements (keeping in mind that I'd be paying as much as $150/mo. for transit when not using the bike)?
- Anyone else in a similar spot?
Edit - updates on continuing research, for those interested in comfort bikes... So many manufacturers! It might be time to turn the optimizer brain off. Quite a few of the online-only vendors are just mixing and matching Chinese parts. Reports of terrible customer support and quality/safety issues are common.
New candidates:
Cannondale Adventure Neo 2 EQ Speed
Reviews of this specific newer Class 3 model are scarce, but other Neo models get mostly rave reviews from older riders with various disabilities. As much as I've loved Cannondale bikes, there are some reported quality and design issues in comments that give me pause. The only reason I'd consider an e-bike in this price range is if it's a durable, realistic car replacement capable of safe use in very bad conditions.
Pro:- Most of the important wishlist items covered
- Top quality powertrain and gearing parts
- Torque assist - comments say it's smooth and you never miss a manual throttle
- Versatile for city and road
- Locally available
Con:
- High price even with quality factored in
- Chain guard not included, and it should be at this price
- Comments mention battery is difficult to remove
Envo seems like a reliable Canadian brand that's doing interesting things. There are U.S. distributors. Dollar purchasing power makes this a potentially excellent value choice.
Envo Lynx 20" Only one professional review, but customers seem happy. I wasn't considering folding bikes originally, but this seems well-made, has English-language support, and has decent specs for the price and flexibility.Envo ST 50 - few if any comments available, but the stepover D50 model gets rave reviews. Meets all requirements, with excellent range for longer trips.
Mokwheel Asphalt ST review, review, review
Pro:- Meets wishlist with moderately priced accessory package
- Adjustable stem angle
- Excellent price for features
- Extra safety lights
Con:
- DTC-only (US-based)
- Lower-quality and range of gearing
Tenways AGO T review, review
Pro:- Meets wishlist
- Premium components
- No-brainer torque control and CVT
- Stylish
Con:
- May be underpowered for steep hills
- Class 2 limited (may be hackable)
- DTC, based outside US
Zen Photon Pro review
Pro:- Wishlist mostly covered
- Premium components
- Powerful hill-climbing capability
- Long range
Con:
- Price is over upper limit of budget
- Relatively new to market
- Users complain about weight
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 LS CVT review, review, review, review non-CVT. This might be the pick - meets requirements and then some, good value for quality, relatively future-ready, adaptable for the conditions I'm likely to encounter, and comfortable. It doesn't hurt that it's $300 off right now.
18 votes -
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Comment on ‘TunnelVision’ attack leaves nearly all VPNs vulnerable to spying in ~tech
patience_limited Link ParentThink of your ISP as a hostile network, and the ability of any nation-state powers that might take an interest in VPN users to encourage exploitation of the ISP's DHCP servers. This could be a...Think of your ISP as a hostile network, and the ability of any nation-state powers that might take an interest in VPN users to encourage exploitation of the ISP's DHCP servers. This could be a comprehensively nasty scenario.
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Comment on I am worthless, I couldn't write a good article or draft to save my life in ~creative
patience_limited LinkImagine that everything is talking to you all the time, and you've spent your whole life tuning out the noise because you were busy with other things. Your desk has a story, a single line of code...Imagine that everything is talking to you all the time, and you've spent your whole life tuning out the noise because you were busy with other things. Your desk has a story, a single line of code has a story, people sitting around you in restaurants have stories, plants, animals, each piece of garbage in your trash can, a molecule of oxygen you've just inhaled, everything that exists has a rich history (and, with a little imagination, an emotional and intellectual life).
And if that view of the world fails to inspire, reread essays and works that you've enjoyed. Ask yourself where the writer may have found inspiration and how they realized it in words.
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Comment on I'm curious how people on here stay politically engaged and aware while maintaining mental health? in ~life
patience_limited Link ParentI've found futures markets to be unbearably cynical, nihilistic, and devoid of necessary human compassion. I started out of curiosity about predictive value, and caught myself literally betting on...I've found futures markets to be unbearably cynical, nihilistic, and devoid of necessary human compassion. I started out of curiosity about predictive value, and caught myself literally betting on body counts. Then I deleted my accounts because it was distressing and harmful to the point where even as an atheist, I felt like I was committing an unpardonable sin and waste of precious time.
The long, detached view can be helpful, but not as a juvenile, hostile game.
I welcome your contribution of wisdom! It's been a long time since I've done regular road biking - Florida had dangerous roads and nowhere fun to go. TBH, I never flattened a road bike tire while riding, and I'd gotten too complacent about it. A simple frame pump was all I ever needed to get home if things seemed squishy.
With more tire surface area and rougher trails and streets to worry about, you've given me useful information.