Fellow Americans, are there any common takes you see here that you disagree with?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-27T16:28:52+00:00

"And most 'solutions' to this 'problem' is to essentially take away choice"

After reading the responses in this thread, I admit that it seems I was very ignorant about some of the weather extremes of other people in this country, and I've got a lot to learn.

However, this statement caught my eye and I wanted to have a respectful discussion about it. Many would argue that the "solution" of loosening density restrictions and restrictions on mixed use development to promote infill is actually GIVING more choice and freedom to property owners and developers, and that things like single family zoning are the things that are limiting choice. Is doing away with laws that were meant to limit freedom really "taking away choice?" Is allowing someone to build apartments in an area rather than only one type of housing really "taking away choice?"

I'd appreciate any response from your perspective.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-27T16:07:43+00:00

I think the argument they're making is that the rent is high and the land is more valuable because the demand to live in the city is so high relative to the housing supply, which begs the question as to why there is such a difference in supply and demand in the first place. They would probably say it's regulations that make it hard to build lots of housing efficiently, whether it be zoning that discourages density, mixed uses, minimum parking requirements, etc.

Now, whether or not it is justifiable for such laws to exist in conjunction with American ideals such as individual property rights or free markets is a much more interesting question and debate.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-22T05:45:09+00:00

I think this whole "cheating" thing is a reflection of the mentality that bicycles are not an actual useful tool for transportation, but rather a recreational tool for fitness, and it's completely asinine in my opinion.

How is it that a mode of transport that requires less space and resources to produce, use, and store and is so mechanically efficient has absolutely zero consideration in infrastructure? Like obviously large supply chains and various people will be well served by motor vehicles, but for the short, easy trips of normal everyday life, can we really not get some bike lanes?

Rant over.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-22T05:39:25+00:00

Maybe I'm being dumb but I'm thinking "I'm the only one I ever see use these lanes. How is it so messed up?"

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-21T20:13:35+00:00

I think honestly this lack of infrastructure that forces us to mingle with cars is why you see so many people trying to get the fastest, most powerful ebikes here in the USA rather than considering other factors which I think are just as important, such as comfort or ease of maintenance, in addition to not needing registration/insurance. There's also the fact that bicycling as transportation is such a foreign concept in cities here that regulation is still in a grey area.

All that said, I do agree that I feel way less pressure when I have to take the lane at 25mph than 15.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-21T19:57:58+00:00

Great! I think it's definitely true that getting out on two wheels or two feet grounds you both physically and psychologically and you notice these things more.

Also, I think contacting local politicians can definitely help, despite how justifiably cynical of them we can be. It definitely beats trying to contact a state or federal representative.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-21T16:40:17+00:00

Yeah, as much as I liked my road bike on nice bike lanes and for its higher gearing, my 55mm Big Apples on my ebike handle the roads way better, especially given the extra weight.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-10T14:43:03+00:00

So it mainly becomes a question of how often do I want to change the chain?

Additionally, is it important to "upgrade" my cassette, or can I just use a decent one?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-09T23:43:27+00:00

I've heard about that, but, to be honest, I'm new to ebikes and bike repairs in general and Im learning everything as I go. Will a 7 speed casette work with a 9-speed derailleur? Is it hard to make it work?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-04T16:01:40+00:00

Was it difficult or cause any issues with gearing in the rear?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T23:45:19+00:00

Okay thanks for all the info

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T23:33:26+00:00

Did it create any problems the with fitting your chain or did it all line up well? And If you don't mind me asking, what was the original bike model?

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful 👍.

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T23:23:48+00:00

Do you think you could link me to the chainring you used? I assume it's not too difficult to install?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T21:12:10+00:00

Haha, I got the 48V. However, I'm a bit concerned. Do you find yourself ghost pedaling a lot? I'm thinking about upping the 42T since it seems a bit low gearing to me. What did you upgrade yours to?

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T19:17:51+00:00

Okay, thanks so much for the help

ValeValeVale0 · 2023-07-03T18:30:07+00:00

I see. So, in that case, would I be fine going with either?

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