14 mile commute?
Posted by KeyNewspaper2829@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 7 comments
I’m looking at getting an e-bike to complete my commute into work as an alternative to the train.
It’d be 14 miles each way along a canal path, but I only go into the office twice a week - is this doable for someone who currently doesn’t bike often and what kind of bike / battery would I need?
firelephant@reddit
Yes. Most can do that no problem. My commute is about 14 km and in the summer it can do two return trips on one change. Not so in the winter tho
AMC879@reddit
You will have to give yourself a full hour, not counting the time it takes to change clothes. You may be able to go 20+ at times but will need to slow way down when other people are present as well as for street crossings. Almost any ebike should have enough range for your needs.
capnpetch@reddit
Ignore the guys that say you need an expensive bike that can be serviced locally. Most shops will grumble about servicing bikes they won’t sell but will do it. Buy a bike you can afford that promises at least twice your daily commute in range, because those ranges are probably inflated. The commute itself won’t be a problem from an exertion perspective, just make sure to get a comfortable saddle and go slower than you think you need to until you get used to handling the bike. Buy a good helmet and visibility gear.
AsSiMiLaTeD-77@reddit
Go with a bike company that you can get serviced locally. Personally I’m partial to Velotric, but Lectric is another good brand as well.
BodSmith54321@reddit
Most e-bikes can do this range. Id consider a Lectric Xpress 500w and then buy the larger battery. While the 750w comes with the larger battery, it is significantly louder and not much more powerful.
Another option is the Velotric Nomad One Plus. It has a cadence sensor which makes pedal assist feel less natural as it does more of the work for you, but that may actually be better for commuting as you sweat less.
funguy2playwith@reddit
Yes, doable. Probably not cheap though. Go with a brand that you can get serviced at your local bike shop. Personally I have a Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 IGH, which I think would be perfect for you. Step throughs make great commuter bikes, the IGH belt drive requires no maintenance to speak of, and it comes with everything you need except a really good lock (Likelok), panniers (Tailwind), helmet (Trek Starvos WaveCel) and some basic maintenance tools like a pump (AUXITO), torque wrench set (PRO BIKE TOOL), etc. Also, I highly recommend ceramic coating your frame (Gtechniq) which will help keep it clean.
Trek (not IGH) has some good options, the Vale Go! S and Verve+ and so are the Salsa Apex and CTY e2.2 @ REI.
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
I do 2x15 mile hill commute.
Ebike makes it easy like cheating, but it's still not a motorbike. You should not rush, to avoid sweat. But If you don't rush you will be slow. So the ride will take an hour.
It will be a bit faster going home, because you don't need to care anymore. Batteries designed for 40+ miles are recommended in my case (hillclimb).