The title describes the gist of things. In 18 months of owning my Bikonit MD750, I’ve traveled over 2100 km (1300 miles) in day, night, and rain; swapped out four sets of tires trying to lower the rolling resistance; built my own new set of 29" wheels with ebike-speed rated tires; and have taken it on mixed-mode adventures by using light-rail as my range extender.
It’s the latter where the weight is a small issue, as the light rail train has three stairsteps onboard, which I have to carry the bike up and onto. 43 kg is kinda a lot, although that does include all the things I will need for a day out. I can pursue getting stronger to lift it more easily, or convincing the transit department to acquire low-floor trains, but I’d like to know my options:
What are some Class 3, mid-drive ebikes currently available in the USA, that weigh less than 43 kg (95 lbs)? Ideally, less than 25 kg (55 lbs) too, as that’s the most common weight restriction for buses. I want to see what y’all can recommend, irrespective of price or range or other considerations.
I’m not likely to terminate my investment in this current ebike, as it’s provided sterling service thus far. But I wonder if maybe what I have has already been outmoded by the latest developments in this ever-changing slice of the mobility space.
TY in advance!
If you want to give up weight, you’ll likely have to give up some power. I bought a Specialized Turbo Vado SL a few years ago and it’s 35 lbs, class 3 with 35mm tires. I’ve seen people fit larger ones, but I bought this thing for the weight.
It’s class 3 and fairly light, but it won’t drag me up the side of a mountain without my help. It was still worth it to me because I wanted a light bike that I could keep riding after running out of power. My partner bought me a nice solid basket that I fill up in the store and it clicks right into the rack so I can carry some groceries, 2 locks, a backpack, etc. I would guess with the basket, fenders, extra lights, and a coat of dust it would probably weigh within a pound or two of your limit.
All that to point out that you can go lighter, but there may be a tradeoff. I think the other folks who suggested different ways of carrying the bike probably have more affordable short-term solutions than acquiring more bikes… though less fun. :)
Surprisingly, my acoustic bike already pushes 20 kg (44 lbs) despite being manufactured as an 11 kg (24 lbs) bike. Basically, I travel with way too many things in my saddle bags. But better to have and not need haha
With the 29" tires, I’m able to ride the ebike at a useful rate (15-20 kph, 9-13 mph) if the battery is flat, although it certainly isn’t anything resembling nimbleness because of its mass. This is much slower than the acoustic bike’s “default” pedaling speed of 20-25 kph.
Power is something which I’m more attuned to trading away, as I don’t need to traverse any particularly steep hills. But I think you’re right that there may be substantial compromises to keep weight below the 55 lbs figure, more than I might be able to accept. And all would mean acquiring another ebike.
I guess I need to get swole lol
I hear you on the storage. I just bought a new mountain bike, I was flabbergasted that a lot/most of trail bikes don’t have mount points for a rack. How am I supposed to carry all my stuff off road? Im not oblivious to the fact that I bought a sport focused bike, but ut would be nice to have the option if I wanted to travel further and with a little bit of cargo. At the very least I need 2 locks, my wallet, keys, phone, extra layer for when it gets cold, puncture kit, snacks, water. I also didn’t expect to notice how different the weight and center of gravity was compared to the ebike, but it’s obvious even when I’m shuffling them around the garage.
Having said that, if anyone frowns on you potentially acquiring another bike you can tell them Lemmy thought it was a good idea. :P