The big project for 2024 is building the ultimate custom e-bike. On this episode we update where I’m at with the project… have I narrowed things down or am I hopelessly lost in the paradox of choice?
Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 358: The eBike Build Update.
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e-Bike Build Update
- Overview of the e-bike build vs. buy decision.
- Experiences and research done in Portland, Oregon, highlighting e-bike focused shops.
- Special mention of Nomad Cycles for custom bike builds.
- Discussion on the drawbacks of commercially available e-bikes, particularly around proprietary battery systems.
- Attraction to the “Biking Brian” style of massive battery and universal adapters for custom builds.
- Considerations against “chonky” e-bike frames for a sleeker, non-e-bike appearance.
- The decision leaning towards a custom build for its expandability and customization.
- Thoughts on suspension and tire width for e-bike comfort and stability.
- Exploring the option of converting the host’s Safari touring bike into an e-bike.
- Financial and technical considerations of a DIY build.
- Potential barriers and required new skills and tools.
- The sentimental value of the Safari bike and the implications of converting it.
- The downsides of rim brakes on an e-bike and the consideration of disc brakes.
- Timing concerns for the build project overlapping with prime touring season.
- Upsides of undertaking the e-bike project: a rewarding challenge, expanding bike mechanic skills, and personalizing the bike.
- Dilemmas between the ease of buying a pre-made e-bike and the appeal of a custom build.
- Future steps: considering all options post upcoming spring tour with the Safari bike.
- Closing thoughts on the e-bike build or buy journey and its implications for the host’s cycling future.
- Mention of Biking Brian’s build video and load management insights.
- Security considerations for e-bikes, particularly battery theft.
- Final reflections on the episode’s discussion and the ongoing decision process.
As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout to the Pedalshift Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community, expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this summer’s upcoming bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And there’s one-shot and annual options if you’re not into the small monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.
Kimberly Wilson
Caleb Jenkinson
Cameron Lien
Andrew MacGregor
Michael Hart
Keith Nagel
Brock Dittus
Thomas Skadow
Marco Lo
Terrance Manson
Harry Telgadas
Chris Barron
Mark Van Raam
Brad Hipwell
Mr. T
Nathan Poulton
Stephen Dickerson
Vince LoGreco
Cody Floerchinger
Tom Benenati
Greg Braithwaite
Sandy Pizzio
Jeff Muster
Seth Pollack
Joseph Quinn
Drue Porter
Byron Paterson
Joachim Raber
Ray Jackson
Jeff Frey
Kenny Mikey
Lisa Hart
John Denkler
Steve Hankel
Miguel Quinones
Alejandro Avilés-Reyes
Keith Spangler
Greg Towner
Dan Gebhart, RIP
Jody Dzuranin
Lucas Barwick
Michael Baker
Brian Bechtol
Reinhart Bigl
Greg Middlemis
Connie Moore
William Gothmann
Brian Benton
Joan Churchill
Mike Bender
Rick Weinberg
Billy Crafton
Gary Matushak
Greg L’Etoile-Lopes
James Sloan
Jonathan Dillard
John Funk
Tom Bilcze
Ronald Piroli
Dave Roll
Brian Hafner
Misha LeBlanc
Ari Messinger
David Gratke
Todd Groesbeck
Wally Estrella
Sue Reinert
John Leko
Stephen Granata
Phillip Mueller
Robert Lackey
Dominic Carol
Jacqi McCulloch
John Hickman
Carl Presseault
David Neves
Patty Louise
Terry Fitzgerald
Peter Steinmetz
Timothy Fitzpatrick
Michael Liszewski
Hank O’Donnell
David Zanoni
David Weil
Matthew Sponseller
Chad Reno
Spartan Dale
Carolyn Ferguson
Peggy Littlefield
Lauren Allansmith
Eric Burns
Thomas Pearl
Darrin McKibben
Richard Stewart
Dave Fletcher
Jack Smith
Luke Parkinson
Ryan Patterson
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Music
You’ve been hearing about Jason Kent and his music for many fine episodes. Jason has a new solo album available NOW. Go listen to COMMON TONGUES wherever cool music is available!