Long time cyclist here. Rode up and down mountains for 30 years with no electric assist. Personally, I would avoid an e-bike. When the grid goes out, and you can't charge the battery you'll curse the enormous dead weight. I would also avoid disk brakes. Completely unnecessary unless your descending a mountain in the rain. Go for simple and standardized bottom bracket and headset sizes (if there is such a thing anymore). As a mechanic in college, the same tools could tune and repair a high-end Italian racing bike or a crappy department store bike.
Sealed bottom brackets and headsets are nice, and maintenance free. However, if they fail, they're done. The old stuff, although requiring maintenance could be rebuilt.
Buy extra tires and tubes. Rotate the tires every 500 miles. A good set will last 2500 to 3000 miles. Brake pads last far longer, but extras aren't a bad idea for collapse, that bike might see decades. If you opt for a sealed bottom bracket, I would consider an extra.
Last, bike style. Mountain bikes stink on the road, road bikes stink off pavement. A cross bike strikes a balance. Tire choices are important here.
Cycling is a joy, at least in environments where cars aren't a constant hazard. If you're around cars, a rearview mirror is mandatory. A quality helmet is mandatory, too, and gloves will save your palms in an accident. Motorcyclists have a saying. "There are two kinds of riders. Those that have been down, and those that will go down." Same apples to bicycles, I have the road rash scars to prove it.
I just got my own bike after years of using bike share. I love it! Even though I am disabled and now need a walker to walk, for some reason I’m still able to bike, which I’m so grateful for.
That's great you can ride in spite of need of a walker! Feeling normal is a huge mental boost. Yes, lithium batteries pose some additional risk. Supposedly, batteries from reputable manufacturers are pretty safe, but there is junk on the market, too. Doubt I would be 100 percent comfortable with an e-bike in my house.
What about mechanical disk brakes? (I am not really happy with hydraulics either, though 13000 km without any service or trouble isn't bad). Rim brakes wear out the rim...
Perhaps my favorite bike was my old-school steel Colnago Masterlight. That one saw 16,000 miles of riding in mountainous territory and ran on Mavic rims with machined braking surfaces. My next bike was carbon fiber and aluminum (faster, but not as comfy) running on Easton rims, also with machined braking surfaces, about 10,000 miles. Neither had perceptible wear other than the occasional scratch from a pad picking up a stone.
On steep mountain descents discs can advantageous, but if you can lock up the wheels (not recommended!), stopping power is ultimately determined by your tires.
As a fast rider breaking 50 mph on some descents, I rarely needed more powerful brakes. The biggest advantage of disks either hydraulic or mechanical are in the rain or for professional competition, IMO.
That said if you prefer disks, run them. To me unless there's a real need they add needless complexity to a machine whose beauty lies in simplicity.
Thank you for this practical info, Jessica. One thing about bikes that are not used frequently is that the tire pressure is low when a person needs it. I've thought the rubber is slightly porous. In your bike manual, you could suggest that people get leak-proof inner tubes, even for the simplest bike. Some have a liquid inside. There are other types of puncture-proof and leak-proof designs, too, such as those filled with foam. That could be handy if there is road junk during a fire.
I didn't think about a trailer! I have one for my car -- much cheaper than owning a truck -- but it's too heavy for a bike.
My bike is just decent but my husband scored a really elite bike with tons of customization at a church rummage sale for a price so cheap he basically stole it. He bikes a LOT.
Bike to the future! Another point is that biking (same for e-biking when you pedal) is a pretty good way to become a bit healthier and fitter, so that when needs be, your body and muscles are less likely to fail.
We live in an urban area and my 18 yr old son got himself a nice electric bike. It gets him all over town at a nice clip, and he’s never had to worry about gas prices. Now I’m thinking of getting one!
I just started riding my bike again this week in a rough couple of months medically but now back on the bike and one thing to remember is if you get a bike you need to ride the bike or when you actually need to ride the bike you might not be able to ride the bike so there's that. I live in a part of the country overrun with morons and old people and drunks. I won't ride on the streets here though I was happy doing it in Manhattan years ago but if we hit when we hit tank bottom and there aren't a lot of cars around I'll be just fine. With that part of the issue anyway.
220w Solar and gas 900 watt generators, warm shower, toilet, running drinking water, electric heat, 150 mile (conservative) range before needing to charge with 5 batteries. Lights, entertainment system and kitchen 😍 the gas generator is 2cycle and full mechanical so may survive an emp.
The lovely thing about a bike is that you needn't wait for a catastrophy to use it. Bikes are an efficient and fun means of transport and keeping fit (at the same time!)
Some tyres are kevlar lined and pretty puncture resistant. Avoid riding through glass if you can, in my experience punctures are generally more an problem for tyres nearing end of life anyway. Lube your chain, particularly if it has been wet. If you are going to use the bike practically put racks on it, weight is best carried by the bike not your ass. Get a saddle that fits you properly, gel covers don't fix a bad saddle. If your ass hurts pedal harder and ride more frequently, it gets better once you toughen up. Rear racks essential, front racks handy. A bit of pvc pipe makes a good fishing rod holder, get creative with pipe clamps or zip ties. I've carried and towed all sorts of stuff like hay bales, chainsaw, other bikes, bricks, children, animals, shopping and a kayak (not all at the same time). If you make or repurpose a trailer make sure the wheels have ball bearings otherwise you are going to melt plastic bushed wheels. A few years ago a frame builder (Calfree?) had some videos showing bamboo frame building and bamboo reinforcement of bike wheels in an african aid project, it allowed a huge increase in daily haulage capacity compared to walking. Get good locks with a high security rating and angle grinder resistance, fibres gum up the cut blade. The lock must remain off the ground to avoid sledgehammer attack, lock to something bomb proof. 60-80km/day is fairly easy to cover carrying camping gear and food (depends on the terrain and your fitness).
Long time cyclist here. Rode up and down mountains for 30 years with no electric assist. Personally, I would avoid an e-bike. When the grid goes out, and you can't charge the battery you'll curse the enormous dead weight. I would also avoid disk brakes. Completely unnecessary unless your descending a mountain in the rain. Go for simple and standardized bottom bracket and headset sizes (if there is such a thing anymore). As a mechanic in college, the same tools could tune and repair a high-end Italian racing bike or a crappy department store bike.
Sealed bottom brackets and headsets are nice, and maintenance free. However, if they fail, they're done. The old stuff, although requiring maintenance could be rebuilt.
Buy extra tires and tubes. Rotate the tires every 500 miles. A good set will last 2500 to 3000 miles. Brake pads last far longer, but extras aren't a bad idea for collapse, that bike might see decades. If you opt for a sealed bottom bracket, I would consider an extra.
Last, bike style. Mountain bikes stink on the road, road bikes stink off pavement. A cross bike strikes a balance. Tire choices are important here.
Cycling is a joy, at least in environments where cars aren't a constant hazard. If you're around cars, a rearview mirror is mandatory. A quality helmet is mandatory, too, and gloves will save your palms in an accident. Motorcyclists have a saying. "There are two kinds of riders. Those that have been down, and those that will go down." Same apples to bicycles, I have the road rash scars to prove it.
I just got my own bike after years of using bike share. I love it! Even though I am disabled and now need a walker to walk, for some reason I’m still able to bike, which I’m so grateful for.
I opted not to get an e-bike because of the fire risk https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-lithium-battery-apartment-fire-9.7179948
That's great you can ride in spite of need of a walker! Feeling normal is a huge mental boost. Yes, lithium batteries pose some additional risk. Supposedly, batteries from reputable manufacturers are pretty safe, but there is junk on the market, too. Doubt I would be 100 percent comfortable with an e-bike in my house.
What about mechanical disk brakes? (I am not really happy with hydraulics either, though 13000 km without any service or trouble isn't bad). Rim brakes wear out the rim...
Perhaps my favorite bike was my old-school steel Colnago Masterlight. That one saw 16,000 miles of riding in mountainous territory and ran on Mavic rims with machined braking surfaces. My next bike was carbon fiber and aluminum (faster, but not as comfy) running on Easton rims, also with machined braking surfaces, about 10,000 miles. Neither had perceptible wear other than the occasional scratch from a pad picking up a stone.
On steep mountain descents discs can advantageous, but if you can lock up the wheels (not recommended!), stopping power is ultimately determined by your tires.
As a fast rider breaking 50 mph on some descents, I rarely needed more powerful brakes. The biggest advantage of disks either hydraulic or mechanical are in the rain or for professional competition, IMO.
That said if you prefer disks, run them. To me unless there's a real need they add needless complexity to a machine whose beauty lies in simplicity.
Thank you for this practical info, Jessica. One thing about bikes that are not used frequently is that the tire pressure is low when a person needs it. I've thought the rubber is slightly porous. In your bike manual, you could suggest that people get leak-proof inner tubes, even for the simplest bike. Some have a liquid inside. There are other types of puncture-proof and leak-proof designs, too, such as those filled with foam. That could be handy if there is road junk during a fire.
Good ideas!
If you live in climates with snow, fat tires work great. Used in Minneapolis in the dead of winter with no problem.
Hi Jessica, well done!
Dear husband has a pedal assist e-bike he’s been riding to work every day for years. He agrees with your thought and wisdom.
Mine is just pedal, but have been pondering adding an e-bike.
I think I’d want an e-bike that can take some rough terrain.
Thank you for all of your well researched wisdom.
Write on and ride on!
-Big fan in Boston
Ride on!
On point as usual ~
I didn't think about a trailer! I have one for my car -- much cheaper than owning a truck -- but it's too heavy for a bike.
My bike is just decent but my husband scored a really elite bike with tons of customization at a church rummage sale for a price so cheap he basically stole it. He bikes a LOT.
finding out about solid foam tires might be useful... broken glass scattered from exploding 'n burning buildings, so likely
if nothing else better, consider carrying a tube of fast drying insulative filler
or hand craft styrofoam pellets into insert for each tire
Bike to the future! Another point is that biking (same for e-biking when you pedal) is a pretty good way to become a bit healthier and fitter, so that when needs be, your body and muscles are less likely to fail.
Love, love, love my e-bike. I use it instead of my car whenever possible. Best $2K I’ve ever spent.
We live in an urban area and my 18 yr old son got himself a nice electric bike. It gets him all over town at a nice clip, and he’s never had to worry about gas prices. Now I’m thinking of getting one!
Seems like a smart move!
I've been meaning to finish my "A Bicycle for the Apocalypse" essay for ages. Thanks for the inspiration to pick it up again. Great work
Godspeed. :)
I just started riding my bike again this week in a rough couple of months medically but now back on the bike and one thing to remember is if you get a bike you need to ride the bike or when you actually need to ride the bike you might not be able to ride the bike so there's that. I live in a part of the country overrun with morons and old people and drunks. I won't ride on the streets here though I was happy doing it in Manhattan years ago but if we hit when we hit tank bottom and there aren't a lot of cars around I'll be just fine. With that part of the issue anyway.
220w Solar and gas 900 watt generators, warm shower, toilet, running drinking water, electric heat, 150 mile (conservative) range before needing to charge with 5 batteries. Lights, entertainment system and kitchen 😍 the gas generator is 2cycle and full mechanical so may survive an emp.
The lovely thing about a bike is that you needn't wait for a catastrophy to use it. Bikes are an efficient and fun means of transport and keeping fit (at the same time!)
hi.consider purchasing an extra pair of your favorite shoes ,work boots,winter boots…
Some tyres are kevlar lined and pretty puncture resistant. Avoid riding through glass if you can, in my experience punctures are generally more an problem for tyres nearing end of life anyway. Lube your chain, particularly if it has been wet. If you are going to use the bike practically put racks on it, weight is best carried by the bike not your ass. Get a saddle that fits you properly, gel covers don't fix a bad saddle. If your ass hurts pedal harder and ride more frequently, it gets better once you toughen up. Rear racks essential, front racks handy. A bit of pvc pipe makes a good fishing rod holder, get creative with pipe clamps or zip ties. I've carried and towed all sorts of stuff like hay bales, chainsaw, other bikes, bricks, children, animals, shopping and a kayak (not all at the same time). If you make or repurpose a trailer make sure the wheels have ball bearings otherwise you are going to melt plastic bushed wheels. A few years ago a frame builder (Calfree?) had some videos showing bamboo frame building and bamboo reinforcement of bike wheels in an african aid project, it allowed a huge increase in daily haulage capacity compared to walking. Get good locks with a high security rating and angle grinder resistance, fibres gum up the cut blade. The lock must remain off the ground to avoid sledgehammer attack, lock to something bomb proof. 60-80km/day is fairly easy to cover carrying camping gear and food (depends on the terrain and your fitness).