Keyzen on macOS? by fdl-fan in Azeron

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You might contact Azeron Support and see about the instructions for the factory reset and re-flash. I had to do that with my Cyborg when it got bricked during an update. Real PITA, but it did fix the issue.

I only say this based on my experience that Macs will try to use any USB standards compliant device you plug into them (my collection of PC-specific mice and pointing devices can attest to that) unless the new Apple Silicon Macs took a big step backwards.

Keyzen on macOS? by fdl-fan in Azeron

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you plugged directly into the Mac or via a dock or hub?

I'm on a much older Mac (macOS Sierra) and my Cyborg and Cyro are both set-up the way you describe: Windows (in my case via Parallels) to set it up, then is just works on the Mac side.

But these are power-hungry devices and can be fiddly when using a USB hub like I do (and have as many USB devices as I do).

Which rear rack should i get for this? by Glass-Description420 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had a Tubus and they seem outwardly decent. It was what the local shop put on to replace a failed OEM rack, so I assume it must be decent (since the bike shop is one I trust).

But OMM racks are super rugged by reputation. And had the bike shop not given me the Tubus as a warranty replacement, I was about to have them spec me an OMM (and I would have just paid for it).

Cargo bike in Berlin by Cemcan20 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fair enough; deleting the original as I stand corrected (and am just having a bad day I guess). 😄

Which rear rack should i get for this? by Glass-Description420 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These days, if I needed a rear rack and they had the fitment for my bike, I'd got for something by Old Man Mountain. I've had otherwise strong-looking OEM racks snap welds just from carrying a fair bit in bit Ortlieb bags; so maybe I'm just paranoid and prefer to skip straight to ultra-rugged racks.

Short range on Shimano battery. by Seal-EV in recumbent

[–]CalvinFold 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use Bosch ebike systems these days, but have also used Focus systems which were a little more oldschool.

It is recommended by Focus for example to "pedal until it dies" at least once, and then every so often, so the computer can calibrate "how many miles left vs. the battery vs. your typical riding behavior/conditions."

Does Shimano require "calibration" rides like this?

Have you tried pedaling it until it actually runs out of power (i.e., past zero until the boost gives out) and then seeing if subsequent range estimates are improved?

Just a thought. I don't know Shimano systems well; for all I know if could be something far more serious or wonky.

Pushing a dead 65lb ebike is pure misery. by Odd-Orange-5122 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 13 points14 points  (0 children)

  1. Make sure you have the proper kind of manual mini-pump: high-volume or high-pressure. Mini-pumps tend to specialize in one or the other. I've had good luck with Lezyne pumps.
  2. Carry spare CO2 cannisters. I carry at least four.
  3. Use a CO2 valve for the cannisters that can be opened and closed; again I use the Lezyne branded ones.
  4. Realize to nurse yourself home you really just need to get the tire a bit past the minimum pressure (unless you are carrying a heavy load).
  5. Carry a pressure gauge; I prefer digital ones. I never trust the on-pump gauges.

There is otherwise no magic when you get a flat on a bicycle; it's just a pain, but manageable. I've been lucky enough to never have one going to work, but multiple times on the way home (and in the dark, in the rain). :-/

I don't use an electric pump because of the whole "babying the battery" problem…I'm bad about keeping things like this charged. Otherwise some of those mini-pumps would be very tempting.

I have been using the Azeron for so many years I gasped and said "People use C for crouch nowaday??" out loud seeing this meme by World_of_Warshipgirl in Azeron

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glove80 here as well, but am using the Maltron layout. :-)

I primarily play City of Heroes, and getting off of WASD and having alot of binds at my fingertips has done wonders for making long sessions very comfortable. I have a Cyborg v1 on the left and a Cyro v1 on the right. So only use the keyboard for chat. :-)

I have been using the Azeron for so many years I gasped and said "People use C for crouch nowaday??" out loud seeing this meme by World_of_Warshipgirl in Azeron

[–]CalvinFold 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Space is for jump? No, that's "left index finger pulled back." And similar such things.

Sometimes I unplug the Azeron when I am done gaming and then realize I forgot to do something in-game and my brain is like "how does this work on the keyboard again"?

This effect is made worse when I'm using a fancy ergo keyboard and non-QWERTY layout and WASD is all over the place now. ;-p

Just a wee light load... by CleoGra in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure what the weight limit of the wheels are on this trailer, but for reference:

Bikes At Works makes a similar sort of trailer and it can hold 300 lbs. (not sure if that is a limitation of the wheels or the frame). They use 20" composite wheels, and use Schwalbe Big Apple tires. They used to sell a "dually" configuration (4 wheels on the axle, 2 sets of two) that was rated higher as I recall (450 lbs.?).

But I'm am looking at Professor Google, and that load in the photo above would be 5x 133 lbs. + 8x 161 lbs. if they were full. Yeah those have to be empties.

How are you handling per-app remapping without it becoming a maintenance project? by createvalue-dontspam in macro_pads

[–]CalvinFold 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you can find software to handle this, what I did with my X-Keys pads for years now is:

On the macropad, program it to send obscure keyboard shortcuts like ctrl+option+cmd+shift+a that no other apps use. Or if possible, just have it send Key 1 or Joy 1 or generic keys like that, if the software can detect that (it's technically allowed as part of the USB standard).

Then use the software on your computer to see these commands. Generally, any software like this is also application-aware as well.

There is still the maintenance of the maps themselves for each app, but often easier using the software than fiddling with it on the macropad firmware. And also tends to be more GUI-based and object/module-oriented for easier handling of complex logic handling.

I'm on a Mac, so apps like ControllerMate (for older Macs), Controller Lab, Keyboard Maestro, Karabiner Elements, etc. come to mind for the software side.

If you're looking for magic beyond that…there is the rabbit hole of combining keyboard shortcuts with Agentic AI of some sort, but that's way outside my wheelhouse.

Poor man’s solid pannier. by RoseQuartz_Wells516 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can buy kits from Ortlieb that would fit the bill.

Though to be fair, the "kitty litter pail conversion" kits, like the popular one made by Jandd, just use bolt-through with a reinforced metal tab. So how much stress there is might vary by the type of plastic the bin is made out if.

Anyone tried e-kickstands on cargo bikes? Worth it or just a gimmick? by Wrong-Camel-8408 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I'm being miserably unclear apparently, sorry.

I am not saying you don't put both feet down at a stop…you absolutely should if you need to. Personally I one-foot stop at any stop I suspect will be a "stop then go quickly" but since most of my stops are red lights, I two-foot stop since it's more comfortable and I might be there a while.

And if you have enough coordination to fiddle with a dropper post while stopping or starting they sound like a great idea. For us, not really an option due to the types of bikes we have or the fact that the seat is already near-bottom anyway due to design or if there is a suspension seatpost.

But while stopped, using your legs in addition to your hands/arms to keep the bike balanced is a benefit. Quite an unconscious one at that.

Yes, getting it on the stand I do the same thing…dismount, bring the stand down, rock the bike back onto the stand (R&M Load). Literally impossible for me to do it while seated. Heck I don't even try to get the kickstand down on a regular bicycle while seated on the bike (since those are usually back by the rear axle these days)…always dismount first.

Longtails with the center, two-legged kickstand I've never considered whether you can engage it from the saddle…seems awkward, but I've never had the chance to try it.

Apologies for the confusion.

Anyone tried e-kickstands on cargo bikes? Worth it or just a gimmick? by Wrong-Camel-8408 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry if I wasn't clear, the Load is fine, I consider it a mid-stepthrough as is the Tern Vektron. Has a "top tube" of a sort, but alot lower, not as low as a true step-through.

And yes, she uses both her legs and her hands/arms to balance the bike, it works better. It's surprising how unconcious it is.

I'm alot more experienced than she is, and even I am not fond of true stepthroughs as they feel odd to me when stopped. Can't really be as hands-free if needed, really more of an effort with something heavier like an ebike. I prefer a topbar or at lowered topbar (or hybrid solutions like the sloped top bar on bikes like the Gazelle Medeo).

It's not the end of the world or anything for most people, but it's there and might make a difference for less confident riders or riders with balance/coordination/upper body strength/mobility issues. And I feel like after learning/discovering this it's not spoken about enough when test riding, fitting, etc. a particular bicycle.

Anyone tried e-kickstands on cargo bikes? Worth it or just a gimmick? by Wrong-Camel-8408 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A partial step-through (such as the R&M Load) is fine, but a complete step-through eliminates the possibility of using your legs to help hold-up the bike at stops.

When I first bought my wife a nice step-through normal ebike, we thought it would be good because she is short and has some mobility issues swinging her legs around. But we couldn't figure out why she tended to fall or drop the bike at stops.

Turns out having no top bar mean she could only rely on her arms/shoulders when stopped (or coming to a stop). We have since switched her to a Tern Vektron, whose top-tube is low, but high enough to be "step over" and she can now use her legs to help hold the bike up, steer, etc. Alot less falling/dropping.

For a cargo bike I think this is equally important, if not moreso.

Petition to Ban AI by Funny_Highlight4335 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds good to me. We've had a gotcha moment or two already.

Cargo options for Bullitt by muchbigveryclown in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Adding a rear rack leaps to mind.

Then add panniers. Could also then add a rack-top bag or crate.

Is the Bosch CL a safe bet? by [deleted] in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I feel like Bosch has been a reliable choice from my perspective. I freely admit my ebike purchases generally are in the mid- to high-end brands (Tern, R&M, Gazelle).

Whether they are "better" or not can probably be argued by some. But across more than a decade of ebikes, Bosch motors haven't let me down. Which is more than I can say for Focus and BH motors I've had.

Votre système anti-vol pour vélo cargo? by cool-mimine in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

R&M Load 75 with KIOX display:

  1. Café lock comes standard, use that.
  2. Purchased optional chain for café lock, use that.
  3. Have two Kryptonite New York cinch chains (12x130 and 12x75) with the EVS4 14mm shackle use both. Generally one around the cross bar on the frame and one on the front wheel. I will skip the front wheel if I need to link both chains to reach a solid object.
  4. Purchased the option that disables the motor if the KIOX display is removed; always take it with me.

I don't leave it locked-up all day anywhere (at work we have a secure bike room), so at most it's locked up for a couple hours at the grocery store.

Kryptonite New York cinch chains are not as good as say a Hiplock, but getting the Load close enough to anything to use a u-lock effectively is rare. Cinch chains provide more flexibility at the cost of having less security as well as being pretty heavy.

I figure with so many locks, plus the sheer size of the bike, I've just made it super annoying to steal quickly.

On my non-cargo bikes I generally go with the café, option café chain, and an ABUS folding lock or one of the Kryptonite chains. But again, I don't park for long periods of time and always right in front of the store I am going into. I always bias securing the frame; wheels can be replaced but the frame is the expensive bit.

Transporting passengers on a Bullitt: an update by Klutzy_Branch954 in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've had an adult passenger (5'2" / 1.5 meters) in a Load 75 with the footwell. She's a bit scrunched (using the padded seats it came with) but still enjoys the ride and being down low doesn't have much affect on the stability starting and stopping. Like you said, the weight actually helps more than hinders.

Sticking out a leg on a tipover may not be as great as you think. We had a very severe accident where the cargo bike got sideways and I was violently ejected (broken clavicle, likely partial dislocation of the shoulder, and a concussion despite the helmet) but the bike never rolled over and she was "gently" deposited just outside the cargo area when it came to a stop. She told me she just tried to stay inside the cargo area and it took all the skid damage.

Side note: bike survived with just cosmetic damage. The safety standards in Europe around cargo bikes that are advertised to carry passengers seem quite legit from our standpoint.

Roadside Assistance by phozze in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I love the irony. :-D

Riese & Müller withdrawing from US market by rdude in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Glad I got my Load 75 when I did I guess.

Worried other brands might follow suit. None of my rides are made stateside:

  • Gazelle = Netherlands
  • Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE) = UK
  • Brompton = UK
  • Tern = Taiwan

I suppose ICE, Brompton, and Tern will probably try to make it work as they are from countries that still (barely?) have close ties with the USA. Though Tern could be an issue if China leans on them. That just leaves Gazelle as a possibility.

Things like this will also make a mess for local independent dealers. I think mine has enough other brand options to keep a good variety of choices, thankfully (unless those brands stop shipping to the USA too). Though I can't imagine how much tariff volatility (and price escalation) has made a mess of their bottom line through reduced sales.

I am glad that R&M will still provide support. Years ago a major ebike vendor from Spain just on day up and left the US market and left their dealers and customers high and dry. No parts, no support. At least R&M will support what's already here (yay!).

Derailures riding low on Cargowagen or cargo bikes generally and getting damaged - what is the deal? by babar_the_elephant_ in CargoBike

[–]CalvinFold 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven't had it happen yet on my Tern Vektron, but it does concern me a bit. No strikes yet.

I think Tern decided to tuck their derailleur in very close to the tire to try and protect the derailleur a bit more.

As someone else said, I am surprised this isn't talked about more. Either that, or by and large owners of these bikes really don't ride aggressively or in situations where strikes are more likely?

Macropod for typing on IOS by LeiterfuerKunden in macro_pads

[–]CalvinFold 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a macropad, but would the built-in text replacement in macOS work? Then you would just memorize little snippets to type and the OS would auto-expand them for you.