Since I’m doing all the design on this bike, the number of choices is a little overwhelming. To clarify things, I decided to set the mission I’m trying to accomplish. This is a big thing in the private pilot world because everyone wants the big fast plane, but realistically you are better off choosing your mission and buying a plane to fit it.
My primary goal with the bike is to get to and from work. While I can take a bus, the 28 local is routed through downtown and past the stadiums. This means if there is an event at the stadium, or just regular friday traffic, I can spend over an hour waiting for 3 busses to come at once. I hate at-grade public transport. I grew up outside of Boston (Newton) riding the T which is mostly separate from traffic and it set my standard for efficiency. San Francisco was similar, but Seattle really is the pits.
My work commute isn’t very far: just about 3 miles. It’s all downhill in the morning, and has about 1 mile of uphill on the way home. There is a stoplight at 8th and 65th which is on a 6% grade.
- about 10 miles with some hills on a single charge with no pedaling (gives me errands in ballard)
- max speed at 20 mph
- Need enough power for the stop light on the 6% grade
- Also have a stop on a 4% grade at NW Leary and 8th.
- smaller brakes
- smaller safety gear (with a similar margin of safety)
- better handling (the steering geometry of my comfort bike is not designed for 30mph)
- cheaper powertrain
Chris Prosser’s Musings 